'Limited measurement': minister throws Berenschot report in wastebasket

Minister Bussemaker thinks it is far too early to sound the alarm about the cuts municipalities are yet to make on culture. Research firm Berenschot had earlier this year calculated that many percent would still come off the local culture budget. Our own resources told that Berenschot was still on the sunny side. According to the minister, however, the study is too limited: only 65 municipalities were checked, and besides, it is still far too early.

We then wonder how early is too late. Already it appears that, for example, many Amsterdam art institutions that still receive subsidies, have fallen on hard times. The world around them has collapsed, the industry has been decimated, money to continue is basically non-existent. And huge losses are still looming on real estate and land acquisitions. That problem also appears to be a problem of the arts, as much of that bad property is now occupied by subsidised arts organisations, which pay sky-high rents to - you guessed it - the municipality which would otherwise be left with a huge cost.

[Tweet "Finally, the minister says we can go to sleep in peace."]

Enfin. The minister says we can sleep easy. She will keep watch, until the next elections.

The letter can be found hererr.