EUKN - European Urban Knowledge Network - World Music and Dance Centre

World Music and Dance Centre - Rotterdam, the Netherlands

Introduction

Codarts (formerly Hogeschool voor Muziek en Dans (College of Music and Dance)) and Stichting Kunstzinnige Vorming Rotterdam (SKVR) (Arts Training Rotterdam Foundation) are jointly creating an international World Music and Dance Centre (WMDC) in Rotterdam which will focus on developing talent, research and performance. The thorough restoration and expansion of and improved access to two adjoining historical buildings including a courtyard will create a large-scale complex. This will create a unique stage, centre of expertise and meeting place for music and dance styles from throughout the world. The project is split into the (re)building of the centre and the programming.

Description

The aim of this project is to create a World Music and Dance Centre which will focus on developing talent, research and performance. This involves giving a boost to the cultural life and tourism appeal of the area. The centre's programming will focus on the emancipation, integration and participation (both cultural and economic) of and by immigrant groups in Delfshaven.

Approach

The construction project consists of the unique renovation of and improved access to two adjoining buildings, and new construction in the courtyard. This will create new, modern facilities such as a podium, world music café, classrooms and commercial and office space.

The WMDC has three core activities: education, research and performance. Education relating to world music, dance and other related stage arts. Research relating to cultural diversity, music and dance education. Performance in the field of world music, dance and other related stage arts.

Results

The rebuilding of the WMDC will, in part, contribute to the image and appeal of Delfshaven in terms of leisure and tourism. It will also offer facilities for education and research.

The WMDC's programming contributes to social involvement by offering programmes for vulnerable groups and by organising cultural gatherings.

Resources used

European subsidy: € 3.098.698
Total cost: € 7.978.405

EU involvement

This project has been partially funded with Objective 2 funds. Since 2000 nine cities have been eligible for the Objective 2 Urban Areas in the Netherlands programme, which forms part of the European Fund for Regional Development (EFRD) of the European Union. EFRD is one of the four Structural Funds of the European Commission. The programme helps cities to carry out projects that benefit disadvantaged areas.

In the Netherlands, total European Objective 2 subsidies concern 192 million euros. 4.25% of the Dutch population lives in the selected areas.

The European Commission prescribes that for every euro from the EFRD, a minimum of one euro must be contributed from the government. The cities must therefore add their own public or private funding to the European subsidy. The European programme is linked to the urban plans agreed within the context of the urban policy of the Ministry of the Interior and Kingdom Relations. For this, the cities can make use of funds that have been allocated to them in the context of the national urban policy.

Contact info

Rotterdam Delfshaven - local programme management
Phone: +31 10 2441751 / 2441755

Project start date

01/09/2003

Links

City of Rotterdam

Document type

case

Themes

Urban Policy > Social inclusion & integration

Keywords

Education