Cathy Berx supports young artists during a benefit for Conservatory students: “I mainly want to hear and see on possible stages” | CULTURE PROTESTS IN ANTWERP
AntwerpCriticism is coming from more quarters about the scrapping of project subsidies for artists in Antwerp. That was no different on Friday at the honoring of choreographer Alain Platel as Maestro Honoris Causa in De Singel. Governor Cathy Berx originally did not have any names, but subtly put his finger on the wound: “Much rather on the street, desperately begging for dialogue and money, I mainly want to start young and see on as many stages as possible.”
Vzw Bolster, of which Cathy Berx is chairman, wants to give the students of the Conservatory in Antwerp extra opportunities for masterclasses, music internships and study grants. On Friday, a benefit evening was held in De Singel for the first time in three years. Where, by the way, the heating was off and it was quite cold. Fortunately, as a spectator, you are warm to a dazzling, overwhelming performance: graduated Dance students – coached by Alain Platel, among others – jointly ‘Another Sacre’, an adaptation of the revolutionary masterpiece ‘Le sacre du printemps’ by Igor Stravinksy. A minute of applause spoke volumes.
“Indispensable support”
Finally, Cathy Berx does not shy away from the evening in the debate about project subsidies. After she had the public to become a member, donor of partner of Bolster, she began to find that support indispensable. “Certainly as long as our own community and city seem as unpredictable, fickle and unreliable as emerging on the development and creation opportunities of new generations of artists. Let all policy makers be inspired who can see the future of artists from squatting. if they arise later, be proud the elders of today, here or elders shine on stages and screens at home and abroad.” (read more below the photo)
Dramaturg Hildegard De Vuyst (who gave the laudatio) and Alain Platel also briefly discussed the issue. “The twelve young dancers of ‘Another Sacre’ have inspired us tonight. But they are the first to decide to scrap project grants.”
Future-proof Conservatory
Vzw Bolstert will host the so-called ‘hybrid stage’ for the next two years. The pandemic has forced live performances and digital formats to coexist. This increases the need for the most modern, highest quality recording equipment for rehearsals and performances. “This project makes the Conservatory future-proof and hopefully extra attractive,” says Berx.
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