(Halden Arbeiderblad) Due to a lack of financial support from the county and state, Verdensbro downsizes with two seats.
This was stated in a statement released on Friday afternoon.
Furthermore, the implementation of World Children’s Days in Halden 2024 will be suspended and salary cuts will be implemented for the director general.
“The board gives priority to the continuation of the fixed weekly offerings, the annual Fargespill show in Halden with the Norwegian Blue Ensemble, as well as the regional development of the offerings in Halden, Fredrikstad and Sarpsborg,” reads the press release.
Verdensbro has worked for several years to secure support for operations from both the state, county and municipality. Since only the municipality of Halden granted Verdensbro operational funds in 2024, the organization is now in a difficult financial situation.
This means that the board, among other things, feels obliged to take the following measures:
• Terminations of two employees
• Reduction in salary for the general manager
• The three-day World Children’s Days festival in Halden will not take place in 2024.
In order for Verdensbro’s offering to have the least chance of being damaged, the board has chosen to prioritize the following:
• All fixed weekly offers throughout the year continue.
• Performances with Fargespill Østfold and the Norwegian Wind Ensemble will take place in April 2024.
• The regional focus on offers in Halden, Fredrikstad and Sarpsborg will be continued and further developed.
• Family events throughout the year are organized wherever possible.
The press release also states:
“The administration and council are working hard to fit within the county and state budget next year. Verdensbro has received funding from BUFDIR to develop services in Sarpsborg, which will start in 2024.”
– For further regional investments it is necessary to obtain operating subsidies from the county and the state.
The statement is signed by director general Ove Billington, who underlines:
– These measures represent a necessary consolidation to ensure the functioning of Verdensbro in the years to come. The remaining employees continue to work to further develop Verdensbro’s offering, with the aim of reaching even more children, young people and families with children, says Billington.
Since its inception in 2021, Verdensbro has had ever-increasing support, as the 2023 data clearly shows:
• 1,600 children and young people aged 3 to 21 actively participating
• 13,000 spectators – children, young people and adults
• 260 businesses in Halden and Fredrikstad
• 75,000 digital audiences
• 70 artists and cultural workers engaged
• 1,000 hours of volunteering
2024-01-14 17:13:33
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