The municipality of Emmen plans to close the subsidy tap for the Harmonium Museum by 2025. From that year onwards, the underlying foundation is expected to be able to pay for itself. It is not the only setback for the museum.
The museum is currently looking for a new home. The municipality was asked to contribute to the moving costs: 34,000 euros. Only half has been awarded. In the meantime, the clock is ticking on: something concrete must be in place in a year and a half. “We have a hard time with it,” said board member Wim Feldhaus.
The Harmonium Museum is currently still located on the grounds of the Veenpark in Barger-Compascuum, in the former home of the Aards Paradijs. Two years ago, the Veenpark decided to embark on a new course. As a result, the museum with about 200 instruments had to look for a new home, as it did not fit the new picture.
The board has already examined many locations, including the old dairy factory in Noordbarge, the former Berini factory on the Bargermeer industrial estate and the Bethel Church in the heart of Emmen. None proved to be a suitable or viable candidate. Discussions are currently underway with Investing Together, the owner of the old Fletcher Hotel and the adjacent conference centre.
The foundation board has asked the municipality for a contribution towards the relocation costs: about 34,000 euros. The mayor and aldermen have now decided to make half of that amount available. The subsidy is also disappearing. Until 2025, an annual amount of 11,500 euros can still be counted on. From then on, the museum is expected to be able to stand on its own two feet.
The first news is a setback. “Although we are of course happy with the amount. The award makes it easier to turn to other parties, such as the province and funds.” The news that the ax will go into the subsidies comes as a bolt from the blue for Feldhaus. “That shocks me, because this is new to me.”
The board wants to meet with the alderman as soon as possible. Because finding a new location within a year and a half and keeping your own pants up will be difficult. “We also need the money after 2025,” said Feldhaus.
For the municipality, the Harmonium Museum is a somewhat odd man out. According to her, it doesn’t really fit ‘within the storylines’ of Emmen, like Veen or Van Gogh. Moreover, the museum does not meet the standards, the municipality doubts whether that will change. This is because Emmen is confronted with the fact that the museum is rather broad in its new design. Under the name Muziekfabriek MM, in addition to exhibitions, concerts and music lessons are also being considered.
This has given the municipality the impression that the museum function is being used to start a music school. And that is not in line with the current policy of the municipality. In addition, this may lead to requests for contributions from other music teachers or music schools in the region. And that is not the intention.
Feldhaus thinks that reasoning is too tight. “Music school? No, that’s too narrow a view. The idea is to rent out space to music teachers to teach there. It gives us extra income. Just like those concerts.” The money of the municipality is not used for this. The board will discuss possible next steps tomorrow. Feldhaus remains positive about it. “We are convinced of our plan. We are not throwing in the towel in advance.”