Believing that the current economic crisis has incited the need for stronger French identity, President Nicolas Sarkozy has proposed increased investment in arts and cultural institutions, Artforum reports.

The proposed changes start with a decision to revoke a $36 million dollar cut to cultural funding proposed in the 2009 budget. The government will subsidize entry to museums and monuments for all visitors under the age of 25, and the government has proposed a museum of French history, perhaps located at les Invalides.

Sarkozy’s most controversial proposal is the creation of a new council for artistic creation, with himself at the helm. It is not clear how the new body will interact with France’s ministry of culture.