The subsidy recommendations are made both on the basis of the artistic importance of the project and its economic viability. The biggest surprises were the recommendations for a complete cut of subsidies to the International Film Festival of Flanders in Ghent, the Zuidpershuis arts centre in Antwerp and the Theater aan de Stroom in Antwerp.

Other events and venues that would lose government funding completely if the advice is taken are Ghent’s De Handelsbeurs, the Gent Jazz Festival, Kursaal Ostend and Boechout's Sfinks music festival. Others would have to make do with less, like the Royal Flemish Theatre (KVS) in Brussels and Alain Platel’s Les Ballets C de la B, based in Ghent.

Some larger events would continue to receive subsidy, such as the Festival of Flanders in Bruges and Ghent, both of which receive €230,000. The Festival of Flanders Limburg, on the other hand, would lose its subsidy.

The largest sums to be paid out would be €2.75 million for the multidisciplinary Concertgebouw in Bruges, followed by theatre company NT Gent (€2.35 million) and the KVS (€2.15 million).

Whether the advice of the subsidy committees will be translated into actions now depends on the Flemish government. Schauvliege will present a proposal to her colleagues based on the advice.