Artist subsidy (Netherlands)
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An Artist Subsidy in the Netherlands may refer to one of three subsidies for Dutch artists, the BKR, SBBK, or the WW&IK. As of 2012 there is no subsidy available for artists. The associated influx of artworks that were exchanged as a basis for the subsidy is the source of objects now available via public lending programs known locally as Kunstuitleen shops.
Background
In the interbellum crisis in 1935 the Voorzieningsfonds voor Kunstenaars (VVK) was founded. In 1938 it became the Fonds voor Bijzondere Doeleinden. Both were meant as extra resources for artist families. Sometimes artists gave works back in return, which led to this being required later (called the "contraprestatie").
SBBK
In 1949 a national plan was created by the Department of Social Affairs, called the Sociale Bijstand voor Beeldende Kunstenaars (SBBK). This was the first government sponsored fund for artists.[1]
Stichting Beeldend Kunst Amsterdam
In 1955 in Amsterdam, a foundation was set up to work within the SBBK to keep works on view rather than held in "art depots". This was started on the initiative of the artist Pieter Kooistra (1922-1998), who started from his home.[2] The idea was that anyone within bicycling distance from Kooistra could rent an artwork for fl. 2.50 per month.[2] The number of members grew from 35 to 300 a year later. The success led to opening its first "gallery" in 1959. They organized shows in large public buildings, such as the Hema and the Bijenkorf.[2] In 1969 the membership went up again with a new innovation; the "lease-buy" option, whereby the renter pays a higher monthly fee, but a long-term rental eventually results in purchase of the artwork.[2] Originally The Amsterdam "SBK" worked as a city SBBK from 1955 to 1998, when it privatized its activities.[2]
BKR
In 1956 on a national level, the SBBK changed into the Beeldende Kunstenaars Regeling (BKR).[1]
Kunstuitleen
Due to the massive influx of art works back into the koffers of the fund (that were not necessarily seen as equity), in 1972 a scheme called Kunstuitleen was developed whereby all government buildings, but also individuals, could loan artworks like a library system. It was hoped in this way to bring modern art under the eye of the public, while reducing the amount of art in storage. Most medium to large cities still have Kunstuitleen lending points.
End of VVK
On 1 January 2002 the VVK merged with the Stichting Scheppende Kunstenaars (SSK) and PodiumKunstWerk (PKW), called the Kunstenaars & Cultuur en Ondernemerschap (Kunstenaars & CO). A year later on 12 December 2002 the members of the VVK voted to end their operations per 1 January 2003.[1]
WW&IK
From 1 January 2005 to 1 Januari 2012, the Wet werk en inkomen kunstenaars (WW&IK) gave artists the chance to supplement their income for four years (maximum) if they were unable to make ends meet.[3]