Stibbe advises Museum Ons' Lieve Heer op Solder
Museum Ons' Lieve Heer op Solder will continue to receive a subsidy during the arts plan period of 2021-2024. This will guarantee the survival of the second-oldest museum in Amsterdam long into the future. Stibbe has assisted Ons' Lieve Heer op Solder on a pro bono basis in the objection procedure, and advised on the possible legal steps.
The great treasure of Museum Ons' Lieve Heer op Solder is a unique monument where an attic church from the 17th century has been preserved. The museum, located at the Oudezijds Voorburgwal in Amsterdam, was recently expanded and renovated. In August 2020, the museum received the message that it would not receive a four-year grant for 2021-2024 from the Amsterdam Fund for the Arts (AFK).
The committee that evaluates applications had advised positively on the museum's grant application, but ultimately the application was rejected due to a lack of grant money. In order to save the museum, which had already suffered major setbacks due to the corona crisis, an objection had to be lodged against this decision – and Stibbe assisted and advised the museum in this matter. Ultimately, the case was resolved out of court.
After protests from the public and key personnel involved, a political process also began. Ultimately, the councillor for culture proposed to the Mayor and Alder of the City of Amsterdam that Museum Ons' Lieve Heer op Solder be included in the Amsterdam Basic Infrastructure (Amsterdamse Bis). Museums and art institutions included in the Amsterdam Bis receive structural grants from the City Council.
In the coming years, the museum will receive a grant from the municipality, and its continued existence will no longer be at risk. The municipal council has agreed to the proposal, and Ons' Lieve Heer op Solder has since received a positive grant decision.
