The Ministry of Culture in Ukraine is set to introduce a new salary model for cultural workers by the end of 2026, aiming to address long-standing issues related to compensation in the sector. Minister Tetiana Berezhna outlined these plans during an interview with Liza Tsarehradskaya on the program “Zі svoїmi po sutі” on Suspilne Kultura.
Berezhna emphasized the dedication of cultural workers, who often operate on passion rather than adequate funding. She stated, “The reform of salaries in the cultural sector is a task set before me by the Prime Minister. By the end of the year, we will present a model that will increase salaries in the cultural field.”
In addition to salary reforms, the discussion also touched on the potential abolition of honorary titles such as “Honored Artist of Ukraine” and “People’s Artist of Ukraine.” Critics from the Lviv Puppet Theater described this system as a remnant of Soviet cultural policy.
The theater’s team argued, “The system of these honorary titles is an outdated colonial mechanism that does not guarantee artistic quality and often relies on lobbying and opaque procedures. As part of the decolonization of culture, we must finally detach ourselves from this Soviet relic. Such practices are clearly anachronistic and do not exist in European countries.”
However, opponents of this initiative pointed out that these titles significantly influence salary structures for cultural workers. Berezhna acknowledged that the ministry’s goal is to ensure that bonuses and allowances do not play such a decisive role in compensation as they currently do. She noted that, historically, the base salary constituted only 20% of what individuals received, with the rest dependent on various bonuses. The new system proposes that 70% of the salary will be a guaranteed base, while 30% will be variable, thereby enhancing stability and predictability for workers.
Regarding the awarding of titles, Berezhna reflected on the mixed sentiments expressed on social media, recalling the joy of those who receive such honors. She stated, “I have personally handed out these awards on behalf of the president, and it is indeed an important recognition that is often lacking. It motivates continued work. Therefore, these aspects can be combined: recognition should remain, but it must not be a tool for survival or a means to supplement low salaries.”
Previously, the Ministry of Culture had indicated that it was not currently considering the cancellation of the honorary title system.
The Ukrainian Ministry of Culture plans to reform salary structures for cultural workers by 2026, aiming to reduce reliance on bonuses. Additionally, discussions are underway regarding the potential abolition of honorary titles, which have been criticized as outdated.