The existence of the Rijksakademie van beeldende kunsten is being threatened by Secretary of Culture Mr. Halbe Zijlstra and the Dutch Government. The budget for visual art will shrink from 53,3 to 31 million and will be implemental immediately as of 2013. The intention to terminate governmental support as of 2013 endangers the future of this crucial source of top talent in the visual arts. Their disappearance would leave a gaping hole, not only in the Netherlands but in the field of arts education internationally. In light of these events Art&Education would like to urge your support for the Rijkakademie. Please sign the petition.
The Rijksakademie was founded by law in 1870 to keep Dutch talented artists in the Netherlands and to attract talent from abroad. The Rijksakademie holds State Collections on artistry and organizes the Prix de Rome. The internationally acclaimed residency program has enabled artists to make an essential contribution to the local and global art scene. For 141 years the institute has delivered artists like George Breitner, Piet Mondriaan, Karel Appel and more recent Michael Raedecker, Folkert de Jong, Fiona Tan, Meshac Gaba and Yael Bartana. Artists who have been able to excel and achieve a strong independent position. Their work is shown in leading museums, galleries and biennials and acquired for important collections all over the world.
The Rijksakademie is a healthy institute with a continuously growing, vast base of support. It serves as an example for residency programs and non-profits worldwide. It would be a devastation for Dutch culture if this institute would be terminated. This is why we plead to the Dutch Government to guarantee the continuation of the Rijksakademie and act as a responsible partner, also towards the other financial partners of the Rijksakademie, by creating a long-term strategy.
The Rijksakademie is part of a large community. We have launched this online petition to reach out to our alumni, friends, partners and supporters from all over the world..
Please join us to secure the Rijksakademie as a vital source of the art of the future.
Voice your opinion and leave a personal message.
—Rijksakademie van beeldende kunsten, Rijksakademie artists and alumni
Please sign the petition to support the Rijksakademie and secure the art of the future.
For more information on the Impact of the proposed budget please see:
Also to take stand against the 2013 Dutch Budget
