Plein Theatre hands over petition to Arts and Culture alderman Touria Meliani AND launches crowdfunding: Support Plein Theatre now!

Three weeks back, the Plein Theatre started a petition, asking the City of Amsterdam, and in particular Alderman for Art and Culture Touria Meliani, to provide financial support to preserve the theatre. On Thursday 22 October, the petition with more than 1,600 signatures was handed over by director Berith Danse and chairman Bert Barten to alderman of Art and Culture Touria Meliani. The Plein Theatre hereby expressly requested the alderman to also provide financial support to the theatre of Amsterdam East to bridge the corona crisis, just like other municipal institutions.

As a follow-up to the petition, the Square Theatre is also launching a crowdfunding effort and calls on culture lovers, visitors, local residents and anyone with a heart for the Square Theatre to offer support in the corona crisis. The action campaign titled "Support the Square Theatre Now!" is now online!

The Plein Theatre can support here!

Why crowdfunding?

The Plein Theatre is the stage of the world around us, a unique theatre in Amsterdam Oost offering theatre, dance and music for children, young people and adults. Unfortunately, after 38 years, it is at risk of closure due to the aftermath of COVID-19 and the lack of structural support.

The Plein Theatre is an important stage in the city with a short distance to the neighbourhood and an international orientation, a springboard for young talent and a producing theatre.

It looks like the Plein Theatre will not survive the financial blow of the corona crisis during 2021. Earlier this year, the theatre's foundation, Stichting PodiumPartners, applied for a four-year grant from the A-Bis and the Amsterdam Fund for the Arts, but it was unfortunately not granted. Due to the double setback of no four-year support and the aftermath of COVID-19, the Plein Theatre risks having to close its doors during 2021.

"Especially NOW, it is important that we can contribute to connection and togetherness through art and theatre as well as to the development and opportunities of performing artists!

Therefore, we call on culture lovers, visitors, local residents and anyone with a heart for the Square Theatre to help us!

We promise that your contribution will make every visit to the Square Theatre worthwhile in the future!"