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Now that the Netherlands is slowly opening up again, and the restrictions caused by Corona are disappearing one by one, it is possible to work 'normally' again. However optimistic that may sound, starting up again can be very difficult if you have no financial reserves left. I am therefore pleased that we have been able to make a goodwill arrangement with the municipality of Rotterdam. This means that our tenants can have part of the rent you paid last year waived if you have lost turnover (at least 30% since 2019).
The municipality already has a 'goodwill scheme' for institutions that rent directly from it. This means that, if you can show that your income was affected by the corona crisis, part of your rent can be waived. From now on, this regulation also applies to SKAR tenants. Because, as an artist or maker, you belong to the most economically vulnerable group in the cultural sector, and the compensation scheme is largely intended for that sector, we have been able to come to an agreement with the municipality about this. In our scheme, we follow the municipality of Rotterdam.
We are very happy with the generosity of the municipality, which, as far as I am concerned, makes it clear that the municipality has a good eye for the artists and creators and appreciates them.
How does it work?
- First of all, it is about the period March 2020 to April 2021. This means that you must have rented for that entire period (so your rental contract was concluded before 1 March 2020).
- In addition, there are other conditions, of which the most important is that you can demonstrate that you have had at least 30% less turnover than in the previous year; preferably you can compare the months, e.g. April 2020 with April 2019. You can read about these conditions in the documents provided.
- SKAR is the counter. Do not send anything to the municipality, they will not do anything with it. On our website, at this link(skar-ateliers.nl/coulance) you will find the form that you can fill out. You will be asked to provide income details. We do not want to see these, but they are necessary for the assessment. We ask you to send it to us in a sealed envelope, stating your name, the studio you rent and the debtor number.
- Please send everything by Thursday 22 July. Then we can still get it to the municipality in time.
- Your application will be evaluated by an external agency. They will tell us whether you are eligible for a goodwill payment and, if so, for what percentage.
- We will then settle this with you by crediting the rent (or deducting it from your debt). Please note that this only concerns the rent, not the other costs. You will therefore see a different amount than you have on your invoice - this will at least include the advance payments for the service costs.
- Do you have any questions? Many can be found at https://www.rotterdam.nl/loket/huurkwijtschelding/; but please do not use this address to submit your application (after all, we are the counter).
We will try to arrange it from our side as soon as possible. Please keep in mind that we are a small organisation and we have to do this. If you are claiming goodwill, please make sure that you hand in everything completely - this will at least help us to process it. If everything goes well, we will hear about the decision on your application at the end of August.
For now, I hope this helps you. If you have any questions, feel free to ask.
Yours sincerely,
Olof van de Wal
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