New Fertile Ground Policy: More space for artists from the Southeast, the New West, and the North

The municipal executive is introducing a new cultural incubator policy, because it wants Amsterdam residents to be able to connect with art and culture in all neighbourhoods. A total of €600,000 will be provided for programming in the incubators. The municipality said: “Preference is given to local organizations that cooperate effectively with social programs and cultural institutions.”

The municipality announced that breeding areas would become accessible to artists, especially from Zuidoost, Nieuw West and Noord. Current breeding areas are said to be greatly underrepresented in these parts of the city. In addition, breeding venues should become more accessible to artists with a secondary vocational educational background. The Incubator Policy 2023-2026 states that incubators not only provide workspaces, but also space for artistic and social initiatives and (night) programmes.

'beating heart'

According to Council Member Toria Meliani (Arts and Culture), the breeding areas are the beating heart of Amsterdam's vibrant arts and creative scene. “They are essential for supporting and enhancing the artistic vitality of our city because they allow creatives to rent studios, workshops and rehearsal spaces at affordable prices.” This way, artists can focus on their work and not worry about high rents in the city.

According to Miliani, the new incubator policy creates “an incubator culture that reflects the full artistic and cultural wealth of the city.”

talent

According to the municipality, there are many talented artists and creators, and many of them find it difficult to find a good place to create. “Education centers such as ACTA, De Kazerne, Bajesdorp, Lycka, de Rietwijker and Tigola 85 are already creative centers of great importance for their environment. Not only do they work with the surrounding neighborhood, but they also attract undiscovered talent,” says the municipality. .

There are currently more than eighty active creative incubators in the Amsterdam metropolitan area, which are supported by the municipality. Half of the breeding areas are permanent, the other half are temporary.