Austrian Court of Audit Criticizes Volksoper's Business Practices

The Austrian Court of Audit (ACA) has reviewed the business practices of the Vienna Volksoper from 2013 to 2023. In its report published on Friday, the ACA concluded that “there is a need for action regarding the Volksoper's business processes.” Notably, the report highlighted the absence of a clear business division with defined responsibilities. Furthermore, the basic funding for the theatre is not tied to specific performance goals.

Over the past 23 years since outsourcing, public sector funding has seen an average annual increase of 1.81%, but the ACA criticized that this increase was not linked to the achievement of agreed targets. The reasons for the increases were deemed non-transparent, and there were no consequences for unmet agreements. The ACA recommends that at least part of the basic funding should be performance-related.

Additionally, the auditors pointed out that the relationship with the private association ‘Symphony Orchestra of the Volksoper Vienna’ is inadequately regulated. This association primarily consists of musicians from the Volksoper orchestra, yet there is no written agreement outlining mutual rights and obligations. As a result, the Court of Auditors noted that the association's activities could potentially affect the economic and cultural policy interests of the Volksoper.

Finally, in light of the complex personnel structure involving 35 different areas of work, the Court of Auditors advises that the Volksoper develop a comprehensive personnel strategy, which has been notably absent thus far.