The ball is in the court: the VAT increase on culture, art and reading will definitely not happen!

Today is a day of joy and relief. A burden increase of over €900 million on our sector is permanent off the table. Raising the VAT rate would not only make culture, art and reading more inaccessible; it would also hit the earning power of thousands of creators.

This result it really didn't happen by itself. Over the past year, we have worked incredibly hard to make politicians realise that this increase in burdens destroys more than it provides. From newspaper ads, online videos, the stunt on Budget Day, sticker campaigns and an artist campaign - to countless visits to the Senate and House of Representatives.

This joint campaign ultimately involved hundreds of people actively involved. And tens of thousands of creators and fans. As a reader of this newsletter, you too made a difference. Thousands of freelancers and workers in our sector participated in actions, shared their stories and made their case. On behalf of The Creative Coalition: thank you!

There were also moments of mounting frustration and doubt. Especially when it seemed that the cabinet wanted to backtrack on earlier promises. Fortunately, after a 25-hour negotiation, the coalition kept its word.

The Creative Coalition looks back on a fantastic cooperation with member organisations and other industry associations. Almost weekly, we met with, among others, Kunsten '92, the KNVB and NDP Nieuwsmedia as an alliance to set out new actions.

This political feat therefore shows one thing above all: it pays to act together. In good times, but especially in complicated times.

To continue making an impact for you in the future, we want to ask you to make an act:

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