Quarter fewer dance makers in national structure

As the leading festival for Dutch dance, Nederlandse Dansdagen strives every year to show the unprecedented breadth and quality of the dance field. From that position, we are deeply concerned about the recent results and advice from the Council for Culture (Ministry of OCW) and the Performing Arts Fund and their impact on the Dutch dance field.
 
Nederlandse Dansdagen understands the new policy plans of the Fund and the Council and the choices that have emerged from them. However.
 
We note that almost a quarter fewer dance makers remain in the FPK scheme compared to the 2021-2024 period. This mainly concerns an important generation of mostly mid-career makers who are crucial to the quality and diversity of the dance sector and who have built loyal dance audiences. We also notice that in certain regions, such as The Hague, a disproportionate number of dance makers are disappearing from the FPK scheme. This also applies within youth dance, where a BIS company is in danger of disappearing as well as a company for the very young. Within inclusive dance we also see worrying developments.
Through the call-to-action, Nederlandse Dansdagen, in collaboration with the entire dance field, has made recommendations based on the developments within these sub-sectors and thus aims to proactively steer a revision of policy. We do not see a number of crucial recommendations reflected in the choices made.
 
The fact that this round's new inflow and thus outflow is greater than previous rounds is at odds with former State Secretary Gunay Uslu's instruction to allow the sector “rest and space” after the intense corona years. Sustainability and innovation take time, as does investing according to fair practice in a maker and company.
 
It is essential that we recognize these consequences and find solutions together for a balanced Dutch dance field. First of all, let us express our support for the companies and makers who no longer receive structural investment through the Fonds Podiumkunsten or within the basic infrastructure throughhttps://laathetdoeknietvallen.napk.nl/.