NAPK launches campaign 1TP5Don't drop the cloth

Amsterdam, 4 July 2024 - Yesterday, the decisions and opinions of the Performing Arts Fund, Fund for Cultural Participation and the Council for Culture were announced. Besides a huge budget over-demand, we see major shifts in terms of new inflow and disciplines. This affects more than 50 companies affiliated to the Netherlands Association for the Performing Arts (NAPK). If no budget is added,they will lose their multiannual subsidy. That is why the NAPK is launching the campaign today 1TP5Don't drop the cloth, calling on members of the public to leave a message of support for the affected companies.

When the decisions and recommendations by the Performing Arts Fund and the Council for Culture were announced, it became clear that this time too, there were considerably more applications than places available. The combination of more applicants and tight budgets necessitates painful choices, which also affect established and renowned companies. Gaps are threatening to appear in our rich, multicoloured and internationally acclaimed performing arts landscape.

Implementation of fair practice and cost increase leads to scarcity

Due to high inflation, the costs of producing performances and concerts have increased significantly. In addition, new remuneration agreements were made with the unions as part of fair practice. These developments resulted in producers applying for higher amounts, while the budgets of the Performing Arts Fund and the Basic Infrastructure (BIS) did not increase to the same extent. Specifically, this means that fewer companies can be honoured for the same budget. This threatens to impoverish the performing arts field.

Campaign 1TP5Don't drop the cloth

NAPK is calling on theatre and concert audiences to stand up for the wealth of performing arts we have in the Netherlands. Through the campaign 1TP5Don't drop the cloth fans and lovers of the affected companies can leave a message of support. Performing arts are there for young and old and are of great significance both nationally and regionally. Don't let the curtain fall, leave a message of support for the performing arts.