Always thought art was something of creative wildlings, obsessed autistics, genius tinkerers in spite of themselves? Wrong. Art is something where 'strong communicators' call the shots. At least if it were up to minister Jet Bussemaker, and her oh, so progressive idea of letting art be useful above all else. For society. Just watch the horror video above.
What we were afraid of, so indeed happened. 7 million the minister had left for useful art, and she wants to distribute that money through people who know about it. Of art, perhaps, but mainly, of course, of social utility. Enter Twijnstra Gudde. Twijnstra who? Indeed, the consultancy firm which has been doing odd jobs for the ministry for years, where Berenschot does for the likes of Kunsten '92 and related interest groups.
Twijnstra Gudde has found a boss for the 'The Art of Impact' project, for which that 7 million will therefore be available. All socially useful art. And who might wonder what that is about: trust Tabo Goudswaard. Tabo Goudswaard is not just any artist. Tabo Goudswaard is a 'Social Designer'.
And this is the text he uses to introduce himself: "I look for the beauty of the connection between art projects and social issues. How fundamental, exciting and surprising is intervention on the context of the issue? How does it anticipate new events and stakeholder interests? And in what form does this take shape?"
We eagerly await what stakeholders will think of it all.
Bimnenkort at a theatre near you.
Read more about the 7 million.
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