Dutch Government Damages Art World

S HERTOGENBOSCH, The Netherlands, June 23, 2011 -

There’s a call to action in today’s New York Times. We want it
to wake up the world and draw attention to the Dutch Government’s
horrendous cutbacks in the Arts sector. People need to be made
aware of the far-reaching negative consequences that this will have
on the international art sector, tourism, corporate life and the
domestic economy.

This advertisement was placed by Dutch Artists 2011. We are a
collective of hundreds of artists, organizers, and sympathizers,
who stand united to preserve and protect the international value
and importance of the Dutch Arts.

     (Photo:  href="www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20110623/463419">www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20110623/463419 ) 

Support for museums, film, music, performing arts and visual
arts will be reduced by more than 50%.

The Netherlands credits its exceptional international reputation
for a major part due to the innovative and daring work from
independent artists in the small and middle-sized art institutions.
It is exactly these artists and institutions who will be hit
hardest by the drastic cuts. The government is throwing its
internationally-admired support function for the most part
overboard. The installed subsidy structure was the result of
decennia-long investment and development. Now that the current
cabinet is demolishing this structure, The Netherlands is losing
her cultural diversity, independence and depth.

Many orchestras, theatre groups, dance companies, art
institutions and festivals are doomed to disappear. Young artists
will be forced to stand on the sidelines. A limited number of large
institutions will continue to exist but as new talent no longer has
a chance to develop, they too will be unable to guarantee quality
and renewal. They will find themselves stranded in the same
cultural desert.

Dutch Artists 2011 calls upon everyone, to stand together
with us, in order to underline the importance of Dutch art and
culture and to call upon the Dutch cabinet to put a stop to its
destructive policy. We ask you to send your proof of support
(before Monday June 27) to href="mailto:dutchartists2011@gmail.com">dutchartists2011@gmail.com
in your language of choice! Your support will be made
known to the Dutch government.  

Information for the press:
Would you like to know more or place a reaction?
Dutch Artists, Mail dutchartists2011 at gmail.com,
Phone +31-6-135-171-69