Performing Arts Fund NL supports a new generation of professional Dutch/Caribbean creators
01 February 2023
Introducing Mr. Ray Bass
One of the creators supported by Performing Arts Fund NL is Riëndy Holder, a.k.a. Ray Bass. Ray lives in the Netherlands, but the Caribbean influences in his music are strong and unmistakable. The Curacao-born multi-instrumentalist released his EP Come to My Island last year with the help of a grant from the Performing Arts Fund NL, awarded through its Urban Projects Programme. Ray first applied for a grant from the Performing Arts Fund NL in 2019. His initial application was rejected, but he used the Fund’s feedback to submit an amended plan. And successfully so: he eventually received a grant to create and release his debut EP Come to My Island and organise a live performance.
Despite experiencing setbacks as a result of the pandemic, he was able to attain goals that would have been much harder to achieve without these resources. In 2022, Ray received another grant to further develop his music and performance skills, resulting in new live performances. In the autumn of 2022, Ray is set to perform at one of the Netherlands’ most famous music venues: De Melkweg.
Dreaming big
Ray’s success hasn’t gone unnoticed, leading other Dutch/Caribbean artists in his network – including Aldair Daal, T-Sean, Qshans and Kilate – to develop an interest in the grant options offered by the Fund. A positive development, says Ray, who strives to share as much information about his experiences as possible. He hopes to encourage other artists to dream big and ultimately take the step of applying for a grant themselves.Professional Caribbean creators who are at an earlier stage in their careers are also welcome to apply for grants through the Urban Projects Programme – and not just for music! Performing artists working in theatre and dance, spoken word or a crossover between disciplines are encouraged to apply. In addition, the Fund offers various other grants, such as long-term support for new creators and a werkbijdrage (work contribution) for composers and playwrights.
Get in touch
Are you working professionally as a performing artist and are you interested in applying for a grant? Feel free to ask us about our grant schemes by contacting: Jenny Mijnhijmer
j.mijnhijmer@fondspodiumkunsten.nl
+31 6 25 329 417 (also via Whatsapp)
Kaajal Bachoe
k.bachoe@fondspodiumkunsten.nl
+31 6 52 88 72 11 (also via Whatsapp)
Performing Arts Fund NL (general)
info@fondspodiumkunsten.nl
+31 70 7072700
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SPAfrica (Julian Hetzel & Ntando Cele)
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ConTempo Festival (Kaunas, Lithuania)
international programmes
Professionals' programme playwriting festival Shakespeare is Dead
international programmes
Dutch (music) theatre and dance at Festival MOMIX
international programmes