The theater and cultural center De Nieuwe Kolk, which opened a few years ago in Assen, in the province of Drenthe, attracts so many visitors that it threatens to perish with its own success. This modern center in the heart of Assen attracted 500,000 visitors last year, and there are 7,000 activities a year.
According to the newssite for the city of Assen, the Asser Courant, De Nieuw Kolk (DNK) must cut the supply and the organization without extra money from the municipality of Assen, otherwise there is a risk of a deficit of 300,000 euros by 2020.
Director Hanneke Bruggeman sounds the alarm bell in a letter to the city council. If the municipality does not come up with money, DNK must clean up to remain financially healthy and to guarantee continuity in the long term, she writes. “That is what we stand for and if necessary we will have to make difficult choices,” the Asser Courant quotes.
According to the director, this will likely significantly reduce the amount of theater performances and shorten library opening hours. It also likely will result in the termination of participation in popular events such as the Preuvenement and the Book Festival.
Firing of the workforce is not excluded. Currently 130 people work at DNK they have 80 active volunteers.
