10 million back. Van Engelshoven means business.

Of course, this is really actually better news than what was already in the coalition agreement. The extra 10 million fought over last year for performing arts organisations that were good enough but fell below the saw line because of running out of money will get structural money added. Good news for a few clubs that would really be out of business otherwise, such as Orkater.

The good news was announced in a press release.

As it's all still fresh and due to circumstances I don't have time to ask for all positive or moderate reactions for a while: what do you guys think of this? Please comment below.

The Press Release:

Minister Ingrid van Engelshoven (culture) announced today that she is investing an extra €10 million a year in arts and culture. This investment will allow many cultural institutions and companies to continue their programming and encourage new art forms that attract different audiences.

Minister Van Engelshoven: "This is good news for the many cultural institutions and companies that have been in limbo for a long time. They can now pour their full energy back into programming for the new season. With this €10 million investment, we ensure continuity so that cultural institutions can maintain their position at home and abroad."

Performing arts fund

The Performing Arts Fund's budget will be increased by €9 million a year for the period 2018 - 2020. The money will go to institutions and companies that have previously received a positive assessment of their performance, but for which not enough money was previously available. In total, it concerns all institutions with positive ratings with the Performing Arts Fund (the institutions on the so-called b-list). Dance theatre AYA, Orkater and theatre group Suburbia, for example, can continue their programming with this money.

New genres

Moreover, in the period 2018 - 2020, €1 million per year is available for the other culture funds to boost institutions with new genres. Innovative offerings attract new audiences. With this amount, visual arts presentation institutions and institutions in the fields of amateur art, literature and creative industry can continue their activities for the next three years.

'I think it is important that cultural offerings reach a large part of the population. This investment will boost new art forms that attract different audiences,' the minister said.

With this investment, Minister Van Engelshoven follows up on an earlier wish of the House of Representatives. In 2016 and 2017, an additional €10 million per year was invested in culture through amendments by PvdA, D66, SP, VVD, GroenLinks, CDA and ChristenUnie.

Happy? Still a bit sad? Tell! Let us know in the comments.