Bare-bones news: Give Act turned from monstrosity into monster, Brabant short 30% on performing arts, North Beveland no longer buys art.

House amends gift deduction in cultural sector

(...) A majority of the Chamber wants to limit the Cabinet plans for tax deductions in the cultural sector. At the same time, it should become more fiscally attractive to make donations to sports and music associations. VVD, CDA and PVV submitted amendment proposals to this effect to the Giving Act of State Secretary Frans Weekers (Finance) on Tuesday. (..)
The PVV thought this went much too far and refused to let taxpayers pay for donations to the cultural sector in this way. The CDA felt that Weekers' plans favoured a symphony orchestra over the village brass band that could not claim the gift deduction. PVV and CDA, with support from the VVD, found a solution.
That includes that the tax deduction is not 150 but 125 per cent with a maximum of 1,250 euros. This will raise a total of 7 million euros. CDA, VVD and PVV will use that money for tax support for sports and music associations that have to make ends meet on membership fees. (..)

Source: TheStentor   15 Nov 11

Amsterdam - Human chain around Tropical Institute

To protest against the announced cuts to the Tropical Institute, a human chain will be formed around the building this Saturday, (...)
The Tropical Institute fears that this cut [50% of contribution by MinBuZa] will affect not only the research institute, but also the museum, library and theatre. (..)

Source: AT5   16 Nov 11

Haarlem - Fans must pay for costumes for Scrooge

Erik van Muiswinkel is calling on audiences to donate money for costumes for his production Scrooge. The Christmas show will premiere at the Stadsschouwburg Haarlem in December, but lead actor Van Muiswinkel fears that his actors will have to go on stage in their shirts due to budget cuts. (..)
On the Theatre's website, you can track for each character which garment money has been received and what the next wish is. A total of over 6,000 euros is needed. Meanwhile, half of that amount has already been received, reports the theatre. (..)

Source: DeLimburger   16 Nov 11

Theatre makers shocked by new grant scheme province of Brabant

(...) It was revealed this week how the province intends to distribute cultural subsidies in Brabant in the coming years. (..)
The province will soon have almost 3 million euros per year available as a subsidy for the performing arts and music. (...) According to the theatre makers, it is about a third less than the amount in recent years. A substantial cut, then, at a time when the state and municipalities are also cutting cultural subsidies. (..)
The province's paper lists a large number of activities for which money is available. New in that list is the subsidy for youth opera and music performances for youth. No money has been set aside for an instellling to produce dance performances, which is bad news for Station Zuid, the dance house in Tilburg.

Source: OmroepBrabant   16 Nov 11

Sales of children's books down

Sales of children's books fell by 6 per cent in the first half of this year, compared to the same period last year. This is according to figures from research firm GfK commissioned by the Stichting Collectieve Propaganda van het Nederlandse Boek (CPNB).

Source: Cultural policy.co.uk   16 Nov 11

 

Nijmegen - HAN stage for cultural policy debate

(...) On a special website all of Nijmegen is currently talking about cultural policy. For example, should Doornroosje get more subsidy? What do we do with Waalhalla? Or aren't there too many festivals? (...) [see also: Make Your Own Cultural Budget]

Source: SNR.co.uk   16 Nov 11

 

(N-Br) - Local broadcaster Goirle in trouble

(...) The broadcaster needs new equipment, but there is no money. If there is no additional subsidy from the municipality, the broadcaster fears for its survival.
The problem is mainly with LOG's television branch. 120,000 euros are needed there and otherwise weekly broadcasts can no longer be made, the broadcaster claims. (..)

Source: RadioFreak.co.uk   16 Nov 11

 

North Beveland municipality scraps art purchase

(...) There will be no art acquisition next year because of budget cuts. (..)

Source: PZC   15 Nov 11