::Netz.Kultur consortium wants an end to the "chicanery politics" against Public Netbase t0

The withholding of Federal funds for the Internet culture platform Public Netbase t0 has been described as "an intolerable endangerment for the entire branch of Internet culture".

Netz.Kultur consortium, which protects the interests of Austrian cultural initiatives, has demanded an end to the "chicanery politics" from State Secretary for Art and Media, Franz Morak, in regard to the Internet culture platform Public Netbase t0.

The withholding of Federal funds for the cultural institution is, according to Netz.Kultur, an: "intolerable endangerment for the entire branch of Internet culture".

The Government withdrew funding for the popular Austrian web site for artists due to allegations concerning the mismanagement of accounts. The web site, which is a forum for artists who wish to express their ideas, is threatened with closure due the withdrawal of Government support.

The Public Netbase site has been critical of the Government and uses its pages as a base for "political agitation". A letter published over the Internet, which was signed by representatives of 100 organisations including the Tate Modern in Britain and Ars Electronica in Austria, states: "Unfortunately since the change of Government, Public Netbase has been accused of scheming and of provoking unjustified onslaughts against the Government. The reduction of Government subsidies is an attempt to silence the critical voice of Austria."