Amersfoorters rally for culture: many residents against possible culture cuts

Possible (cultural) cuts are causing unrest in Amersfoort. The population was allowed to express its opinion via a website. Cultural organisations received the most support. But what will happen with the results of the public consultation?

Just a reminder: due to setbacks in land exploitation, the municipality of Amersfoort has to cut 19 million euros in the coming years. To this end, an overview of possible cutback proposals was made. The Arts and Culture chapter contained very radical options which, if implemented, would jeopardise the survival of cultural hotspots like theatre De Lieve Vrouw or Scholen in de Kunst. The cultural organisations therefore did their best to get supporters to react. Library Eemland succeeded best in this, with an endless stream of protests against the possible intention to close library branches in Hoogland and new housing estate Vathorst.

It was striking that of all the austerity options, those on arts and culture garnered by far the most responses (over 1,400). Topics such as safety, public services, environment, sports and ambulatory care lagged far behind. It would be too easy to conclude from this that arts and culture are more alive and more important to Amersfoorters. This is certainly not the case. It is obvious that art and culture lovers are more articulate and more willing to express their opinions (digitally).

Meanwhile, the public participation period has passed and the college is considering what measures it will implement. This immediately raises the question of what will happen to citizens' reactions. Will the loudest voice be listened to? If so, the library branches in Hoogland and Vathorst are safe. And should hardly any further cuts be made to arts and culture. Or is it a case of 'sham democracy', as several opposition parties claim? But then, what good did the public participation round do?

There is something to be said for it: the college is appointed to take decisions and should not hide behind citizens' opinions for support and legitimacy of its actions. Good governance means taking decisions from the public interest. To preserve library branches, hundreds of citizens would not need to post a notice. On the other hand: a round of cuts without public participation undoubtedly raises the question of why citizens' opinions were not listened to.

Either way, the procedure followed has resulted in a huge pile of uncertainty. Cultural organisations (as well as other grant-dependent organisations) fear for their survival. Employees for their jobs. Art lovers for a downsizing of the offering. This uncertainty persists for now. The college will present its proposals in the coming weeks. In May, the city council will take final decisions.

Photo: pop festival FC Amersfoort Thuis 2014, Eempodium.nl archive.