The open letter in full :

Open letter in support of Kunstverein

[Please note that the original letter was written in Dutch. This is a translation by Kunstverein. We urge you to read the original letter here

Unfortunately, it is not the first time. Once again, the existence of a unique art institution is threatened. Despite a positive assessment by the Mondriaan Fund, Kunstverein, a flourishing tasting room for art and presentation forms in Amsterdam, is in danger of closing its doors for good because no subsidy is being awarded to them due to a lack of budget. We are very concerned about this, because these types of art institutions are the antennae of the Dutch cultural sector. If you lose them, the range of what's on offer will diminish. And from that, we all suffer.

Periphery
Kunstverein was founded fifteen years ago with the aim to fill a gap in the cultural field. It shows art that falls just outside the canon, the periphery of art history. You will find undervalued artistic practices there, by makers (artists, designers, writers, craftsmen, choreographers) who do not (yet) get a platform at large, established institutions. Where programming in museums usually has a long lead time, Kunstverein acts as a small and agile institute, operating at the cutting edge. Averse to temporary trends or the art market.
Cultural innovation is in the DNA of the institute. Long before the average influencer made it their full-time job, Kunstverein was already able to attract and surround itself with a loyal community of art lovers. It was the first smaller art institution in the Netherlands that increased the involvement of the public with a friends circle of members. Everyone is welcome, can become a member for a small fee and can participate, just like at the local football club. These revenues form a stable basis for the financing of the institute, but for a healthy financial basis they must be supplemented with other sources of income. It is about the mix. Just like in the rest of the sector.

Fitness studio for art
After fifteen years, this small-scale presentation space has grown into a nationally and internationally acclaimed ‘fitness studio’ for art, with carefully composed and varied ‘training programs’. A place to train the eye and further develop thinking about art. From the seasoned art professional to the curious newbie – everyone is welcome and can experience contemporary art in its many manifestations. The projects are consistently well received by the local and international press. The number of collaboration partners and the audience is constantly growing. Kunstverein also proved to be a professional springboard, preparing talented employees for a further career in the cultural field.
Internationally Kunstverein is known for the successful way in which it breathes new life into the repertoire of socially relevant, often historical, artistic practices. It does this carefully, profoundly and playfully. The form always follows the content. A collaboration with artists can result in an exhibition, but also in a presentation, a performance, a lecture, or a publication. And everything in between. Not your standard approach, as in: ‘Opening - check. Exhibition - check. Finissage - check’. The form is often unexpected. An intimate dinner, a mobile merch shop, a radio show, or sipping ‘Dirty Feminist Martinis’ on location. At Kunstverein you can find special, custom-made mise-en-scènes, always surprising and innovative.

Exit Kunstverein
It has become a truism, but oh so very true: without these kinds of experimental spaces, art comes to a stand still. Investigating where art and presentation forms can move, together with artists and the public, is of fundamental importance for the future of a healthy and resilient art sector. Because no footballer makes his debut in the Dutch national team, and no artist makes his debut in the Stedelijk Museum without a safe space to practice first. The opportunities and possibilities that Kunstverein offers, form an indispensable link in that chain.

Ironically, the major funds fully endorse these qualities. Kunstverein has already received a positive assessment twice, and that was achieved without a structural subsidy. However, the letter from the Mondriaan Fund on July 3rd resulted in: “Advice: positive, not awarded due to lack of budget”. What? Yes, you read that right. There is too little money for the entire sector, and that is why a ‘cutting line’ is formulated that seems to include a number of small, critical and non-middle-of-the-road institutions. But without this support, a downward spiral is created. The candle slowly burns out. Exit Kunstverein.

And that would be a great loss, especially now. Because just a stone's throw away from the museum behemoths on the Museumplein, Kunstverein has recently found a new home. Thanks to a creative fundraising campaign, the institute managed to establish itself for the long term in Amsterdam-Zuid. There, in that 'museum' part of the city, it can expand its unique position with verve and literally position the periphery of art in the cultural center of Amsterdam.

Dear government and funds, it is not yet too late. We call on you to reconsider your fateful decisions and save Kunstverein from ruin.

Roos Gortzak, directeur Vleeshal
Ann Demeester, directeur Kunsthaus Zürich
Hicham Khalidi, directeur Jan van Eyck Academie
Maxine Kopsa, directeur De Ateliers
Charles Esche, directeur Van Abbemuseum
Stijn Huijts, directeur Bonnefantenmuseum
Rein Wolfs, directeur Stedelijk Museum Amsterdam
Emily Pethick, directeur Rijksakademie Amsterdam
Margriet Schavemaker, directeur Kunstmuseum Den Haag