On 13 November, the municipal council meeting took place in which the Broedplaatsen (creative workspaces) policy was discussed.
We showed up in a large numbers (amazing work!) and we had 3 speakers at the podium that day – Narges Mohammadi (De Besturing), Afra Eisma (Billytown) and Ayşe Emre (Patch studios). The inspraak (consultation) with the external speakers was followed by other agenda points, while the topic of Broedplaatsen policy only came on schedule in the evening hours.
The substantive debate had already occurred a month earlier during a committee meeting. During the council meeting, parties were still able to influence the policy, for example through motions and amendments.
Prior to the meeting, the representation group held talks with various council members. Two key points were discussed: a ‘seat at the table’ (involvement in the implementation of the policy) and well-equipped communal workspaces. The broedplaatsen policy has been intentionally written in an open manner. In previous discussions, the idea of a ‘seat at the table’ was seen as an overarching solution: on many aspects we do not explicitly take a position for or against, but due to the nuances, we want to remain involved in the implementation. The joint workspaces focus on shared, professionally equipped work facilities. Around 23:30, votes were cast on the motions and amendments, prior to the final vote on the policy itself. The motion regarding communal workspaces was adopted unanimously.
Hart voor Den Haag emphasized the importance of broedplaatsen, provided that these offer affordable and sufficiently large spaces. They submitted an amendment aiming to develop an instrument that prevents municipal rent discounts and an uneven playing field. They argued for a transparent impact assessment to avoid distortion — without questioning the existence of broedplaatsen.
During the vote, this amendment ended in a tie: 22 votes for and 22 against. As a result, the amendment, the remaining motions, and the broedplaatsen policy will only be voted on again on 4 December. However, it appears that a majority of the parties — including GroenLinks — supports the motion to involve us directly in the implementation of the policy. This will also be voted on 4 December.
Positive development
Parties such as Hart voor Den Haag and the VVD appear to take an increasingly positive view of lower rents and permanent locations for artists — particularly after meeting artists and visiting broedplaatsen. One council member was visibly surprised by the entrepreneurial and philosophical approach of artists, while another was impressed by how much money artists immediately reinvest in materials and in hiring other makers and craftspeople.
