Curtain falls on film theatre and stage Provadja in Alkmaar

For more than a decade, Alkmaar film theatre and stage Provadja - one of the oldest Dutch film houses - has been struggling with housing that is far too cramped. Plans have been made for over a decade and last night the city council voted on relocation. And thus chose an option that Provadja's board, staff and volunteers had already categorically rejected. Namely lodging in a new multiplex to be built by JT Cinemas to rise in the ailing Overstad shopping area.

This issue was also reported on this site two years ago and is illustrative of the bleak winds that have begun to blow in the cultural landscape. Although there may be more at play here than pure austerity. In early 2011, things were still looking sunny. YXIE was to become a new and imaginative centre for word, image and sound in Alkmaar, home to Provadja as well as the artist Lucebert's collection. But after a change of colleges, it was shot down at five past twelve, so to speak. The contracts had been signed and the project had already been contracted out, but that did not matter. Exit YXIE.

As a sticking plaster on the wound, the municipal executive did promise to look for new accommodation for Provadja. The Harmonie cinema (currently operated by JT), which would eventually be vacated, turned out to be an option that Provadja and the municipal council initially saw a lot in. However, a council proposal in that direction was withdrawn. JT Cinemas came up with plans for a multiplex and proposed renting out halls to Provadja. A letter of intent between the municipality of Alkmaar and JT Bioscopen was said to have been concluded, but Provadja was never granted access to it despite repeated requests.

A rescue campaign involving the collection of more than 14,000 signatures and necessary talks with councillors was to no avail. A report commissioned by the municipality from independent agency LAgroup also saw the necessary objections to housing at JT. However, that did not help either. Formally, the higher cost of independent accommodation in the Harmonie building seems to have been the deciding factor, but according to the Provadja board, the municipality presents the Harmonie option too unfavourably.

In a press release, the Provadja board says: "With this council decision, an important cultural facility and breeding ground for the city of Alkmaar and its surroundings is in danger of being lost. This is an impoverishment for Alkmaar and especially for the city centre. The boost Overstad needs does not depend on the establishment of Provadja under one roof with a mega cinema cum gambling hall. To give Overstad a boost and accommodate a commercial cinema operator, Provadja may apparently be sacrificed."

And concludes with: "This board will not cooperate in implementing this council decision. Supported by staff and volunteers, we will responsibly undertake the liquidation of Provadja Foundation."