The Cultural scene in Amsterdam (read :your major European Capital)  needs some adaptation to meet demands of the present population. The original Dutch (whicheverCity) are in minority but most cultural services still reflect the ideas of 1970s when the performers were colored and the audience was white. A few cultural centers serve the ‘categorial’ “Official” minorities of the former Colonies. but these “official” minorities all  together these days form  a minority in the non-Dutch crowd. The  Present “minority” population  in whatever European Capital , lumped by the expat label, cover a few dozen nationalities. There are large communities of  East Europeans, Anglo-Saxons, EU neighbours, South-Asian and several others are found. Most live well and have fun because people are friendly and many styles are encountered. However, the cultural services and facilities  for them are minimal  and the Municipal cultures do not benefit from their vibrant communities. It is  because the cultural policies of the Municipalities  prioritize the few institutions too “ big to fall “ and the “official Minority”  organisations have small audiences, each one  a subsidized club. A Change is necessary  toward services for the “other “  cultures. And this diversity would refresh the scene. Why not start with such innovation in the parts of the Cities  where so many cultures study and live. 

ThePower of the SMALL

100 years ago in New York in the 1920’s ,there were Italian,Yiddish,Irish,Afro American and Russian theatres all being successful with original language productions. As a Theatre centre  ourselves in Amsterdam , we host productions in many languages other than English or the Secret language of Dutch 🙂  The refreshment and renewal of the cultural scene can start from outside  because many good performers are interested. Given that “our city “ of  Amsterdam has much goodwill as a European metropole on a human scale, a number of reasonably priced European Theatre groups  can be attracted, not only for a one-night performances , but also for workshops with the Amsterdam professionals, and  workshops  for the  more ambitious amateurs than typical spectator. Such combinations of performances with  training and education generate vibrant local culture and enlarge public interest in culture and arts because ‘delights make people hungry’ as the  Polish say. 

We are ready for your Proposals ! and Solidarity and looking forward to cooperating with

ECF, Krytyka Polytizcna and ZEMOS98 

The ALTERNATIVE SPACES, The SPACE FORCE!

Surviving the Plague

THE Non-commercial Venues essential for Post-Corona Major Cities

SO , new paths in arts should be pursued, in particular ,the multimedia combinations because they can be homemade, which is attractive to younger age groups , thereby fostering continuity in this Endeavour. Key is that all these lines progress because only the combinations can avoid the deadlock of “too small” arts for attracting audience and ” too small” audiences  for attractive arts; this is a conclusion observed in many cultural organizations. All  together ,The Art Scene needs sufficient numbers  to satisfy the performers ,the policymakers and the costs.

The  New Faces at the European Windows are looking out and asking at the #spacesforsolidarity , And we as the art centres face questions and challenges of different demands ,not the commercial ‘as you ask, we run’ neither the artists as ‘donkeys carrying politician messages’ as Gerrit Komrij has written.  Are we up to it ? Can we deliver answers for our “new” populations ? Since all the City monies are already spent twice to maintain many anachronistic  buildings  and out of touch  businesses and even more bullshit jobs, we have to be clever instead of big. Clever means combining things together. It is a combination of organisers. The organizers cover costs of performing, marketing and organization and make the performers happy to serve, stay and come back. The Cities and Municipalities ,with European support, need to find Capital to  pay reasonable accommodation and costs of stay during the services. So we are going Dutch.

 In addition, investment is needed for the start-up and goodwill to attract extra  sponsors.

Written by Yoram Krozer,  Professor of Sustainabilty and Member of the Artistic Council of Badhuistheater Amsterdam.

Best Wishes. Mike Manicardi Gimpel   email   :badhuistheater@gmail.com      www.badhuistheater.nl