Creative professionals set to work with 'Learn to Lobby in a Day'

Utrecht, Apr 30 - A thriving local cultural sector with sufficient livelihood security is too important to leave to chance. That is why umbrella association The Creative Coalition is launching the (digital) book: Learn to Lobby in One Day. This publication supports creators and professionals in the creative and cultural sector so they can put their interests on the map ahead of the 2026 municipal elections. "It is time to unite as professionals".

Over 300,000 people work in the cultural and creative sector. "Their work is indispensable in imagination, connection and storytelling," said Thomas Drissen (director of The Creative Coalition). "They agenda, inspire, innovate. They outline future prospects, preserve the past or offer us hope, entertainment and comfort in the present. Nevertheless, this work is not always sufficiently appreciated."

With the (digital) book 'Learn Lobbying in a Day', creative professionals can get to work themselves to highlight their practical experiences, knowledge and issues within their municipalities. The book includes explanations of how local decision-making works and success stories of local lobbying initiatives from creators. Municipalities distribute more than 60% of culture budgets and make crucial choices about the space and livelihood of creators, possibility makers and performers.

"With 'Learn to Lobby in a Day', we want to lower the threshold," says Nanja van Rijsse, who worked on the publication on behalf of The Creative Coalition. "Anyone working in the sector can make a difference themselves, whether you already have experience or not. We call on professionals to unite and exert their influence on local politics. We hope that professionals in the sector will contribute their practical experiences so that policies are created that are in line with practice."

'Learn to Lobby in one Day' was created in cooperation with industry professionals and local advocates. Their experiences show: those who organise and speak out locally can really make an impact. Visual artist Wilma Vissers, for instance, managed to prevent the closure of studios in Groningen through successful lobbying. Wilma's story - and many others - can now be ordered in book form or downloaded digitally for free at: www.decreatievecoalitie.nl/lobbykit.

As an umbrella association, the Creative Coalition represents the interests of over 40,000 professionals in the cultural and creative sector through its member professional organisations, networks, trade associations and unions.