​Central

State authorities are responsible for:

• Cultural policy on the federal level focuses on the issues of cultural diversity and cultural provision, internationalisation, promotion of young artists
• Maintenance and administration of cultural heritage (including e.g. libraries, historical monuments) (Art. 10(13) Constitution);
• Federal museums and national library (Art. 10(13) Constitution);
• Legislative framework for public libraries  (Art. 10(13) Constitution);
• International cultural cooperation, external cultural policy and EU culture policy activities (Art. 10 (2) Constitution);
• Providing financial support for cultural activities of the Länder and local authorities;
• Setting up arts competitions, providing awards and scholarships.

State policy responsibility lies with the Secretary of State in the Federal Ministry for Arts, Culture, the Civil Service and Sport. 

Responsible ministries/bodies

Federal Ministry for Arts, Culture, the Civil Service and Sport​

Regional

Regional authorities are responsible for:

• Providing support for cultural activities;
• Promotion of cultural activities;
• Promoting the maintenance of old municipal and town centres;
• Annual report on cultural sponsorship, further cultural publications;
• Contemporary art promotion;
• Annual festivals in the Länder;
• Music schools, theatres, cinemas;
• Heritage, tradition and folk art;
• Providing for funding of the various cultural activities.

Local

Local authorities are responsible for:

• Providing subsidies for cultural activities within their competency for regulating local affairs;
• Local authorities act as financier of cultural institutions (museums, libraries, orchestras);
• Local festivals;
• Preservation of the local towns and their appearance.

Sources:

Country Profile – Austria