ZIMIHC, Stichting LOU, Jeugdfonds Sport en Cultuur and Kunstbende each have a provincial remit. The themes differ, but there’s a lot of overlap: building provincial networks and sharing knowledge. Reason enough to explore whether working together would add value.

Through the Samenwerking & Schaalvoordelen scheme, programme coordinator Eefje Hendriks first applied for a Verkenningsbijdrage on behalf of ZIMIHC. “The application went well and was pretty easy. The personal contact was great, and the recommendation to work with an external process facilitator was valuable. Also nice: no endless forms, just a short project proposal.”

After an intensive exploration in the first half of 2025, a Stimulansbijdrage followed for concrete next steps. The collaboration has since got off the ground. The four organisations meet every month to share updates, connect networks and boost each other’s events. “That’s going pretty well, and it does deliver economies of scale.”

Still, it’s sometimes a bit of a search. “Our remits still differ quite a lot, so some things are out of reach. But we definitely see added value in coordinating more behind the scenes.”

Her tip for other organisations: “Spend time and energy exploring at every level of your organisation, from management to frontline colleagues. That way you’ll get the most out of the economies of scale.”

For Ananda Reijnen, the reasoning was clear: professional collaboration between performing arts companies leads to scaling up, and scaling up means more children get to know professional performing arts. “The partners think that’s very important, and so do I, of course.”

Through Samenwerking & Schaalvoordelen, Stichting Brabant Menu applied for both a Verkenningsbijdrage and a Stimulansbijdrage. The application was simple and pleasant. “We sent our justification by email, backed up with figures, and you saw enough reason to support us. That gave us the confidence to develop the collaboration properly: administratively, practically and with our network.”

The collaboration between Schippers&VanGucht, De Stilte, Theater Artemis, Philzuid and Oortwolk is now firmly established. By working together in a legal entity of their own, the partners can now also seek funding independently for shared interests. “Those go beyond the personal interests of the individual companies. That’s a big win for performing arts in education.”

The result: a future-proof organisation that’s better equipped to grow. “As an organisation we’re strong, and we can guarantee and expand our performing arts offer.”