‘The experts have written an inspiring guide, which demonstrates the importance of good music education and also makes clear what steps need to be taken to achieve this. To this end, the experts spoke to representatives of primary education, paediatricians and the cultural sector. The guide has broad support. Like the experts, I believe that good music education is a responsibility of the national government, in which as many parties as possible should be involved'.
So it says truly. The Ministry of Education, Culture and Science is finally listening to the sensible people on the ground. Where the VVD shouts in all areas that members find scary: 'You guys figure it out for yourselves!", PvdA minister Bussemaker thought that the government should then contribute at least half. So the ministry puts 25 million into music education for the little ones, while Joop van den Ende and Queen Maxima contribute the other half via the Oranjefonds.
It's funny, though, that the minister tells us in her room letter that the National Knowledge Institute for Cultural Education and Amateur Arts is vital to its policies. Coincidentally, the only national knowledge institute that could not be cut by her predecessor. Secretly, I then become quite curious about how important she would have considered those other knowledge institutes, had they still been there.
But enough whining: time for Jip and Janneke Champagne.
What do you think: is this enough to save Dutch culture? Fill us in in the comments.
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