More operas and classical concerts are offered in Dutch theatres and concert halls. More theatre was also offered for young people. Nice developments, but the increase in supply (3 per cent) did not directly lead to a proportionate increase in audiences. That increased by only 1 per cent. The number of spectators for theatre and cabaret even fell.
That is why the Association of Theatre and Concert Hall Directors (VSCD) is asking the presentation of these 'moderately positive' figures for additional support for the subsidised offer in their venues. 'We would like to see the subsidised market share at our venues and the corresponding audience grow,' director Hedwig Verhoeven stated in a press release. 'To this end, our venues need structural support.'
Regional infrastructure
With this gentle cry for help, the VSCD is responding to the plans for a new, more regionally-oriented subsidy system. Like branch organisation Kunsten '92 did earlier in a letter to the minister, the umbrella of halls opts for a mild, moderate tone. It also prefers to keep the figures as vague as possible. Apparently, exact figures are sensitive material for many theatres and concert halls.
The press release notes that the growth in supply and visitation is mainly found in the north and southeast of the country. The Randstad, along with the rest of the country, actually recorded declining figures in both supply and visits.
As the figures are not passed on nationally by the VSCD, it is therefore not clear whether this does not make the total of theatre and concert hall attendance and supply much more negative.
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