Cultural organizations in Drenthe are happy with the advice of the authoritative Council for Culture to allow more cultural subsidies to flow to the region.
Into Nature is pleased with the advice of the Council for Culture. The organization holds an event every other year where works of art are exhibited in the middle of nature. “It is of course very good news and very nice that this signal is being given. We have been saying for years that 80 percent of government money goes to the Randstad. It is very important that money is added to the region,” says Marinus Pranger of Marketing and Communication from Into Nature.
The Peergroup, which has been making location theater in Drenthe about social themes for twenty years, also says it is very happy with the advice of the Council for Culture. “It means recognition for the region. The idea was always: what people make in Amsterdam should tour the Netherlands. What we do well is make theater by, for and with the region. As a result, there is a lot of support for participating or to come and see. You feel connected. And that is very important at this time,” says artistic director Dirk Bruinsma.
The Council for Culture previously rejected a subsidy application from Into Nature. Pranger thinks that the advice of the Council for Culture is already having an impact on current applications. “An application we make now has a much better chance when such advice is on the shelf that will require more funds in the future,” says Pranger.
The Council for Culture wants 200 million euros on top of the existing budget to be made available for the region. “It is a very nice opportunity to put Drenthe even more on the map and to develop all the talents that are here and give them a chance. It will then have a snowball effect.”
Bruinsma about the extra money: “The countryside as a stage in the future? Let’s put it in the spotlight. The fact that there is financial recognition is fantastic. I also hope that there will be more applications. Because there may be more money, but then there must also be plans to implement.”
The question remains, of course, whether a new government will agree to the advice and make additional money available. “Of course, in addition to a government, we also have an opposition. It is not that it is all a piece of cake, so we will see what the outcome will be. But the fact that the advice is like this is very favorable for us,” says Pranger.
“This is a negotiating point when forming a new government. I do not believe that there will be less money for culture. The question is what will actually be in the bill. But if the budget remains the same, the new distribution of the money will play an important role. Good new makers are now submitting applications to funds. It would be fantastic if we go from a few to more companies,” says Bruinsma.