Manifesto

We, artists, cultural operators, workers in culture and the cultural and creative industries, ordinary citizens, have been observing for two months now that the precarious situation of our colleagues is only getting worse. Even before this crisis, we were already struggling to make a living and have a decent life, and now we have gone from struggling to surviving.
This situation is unbearable.

We have decided to take action and try to organise a form of solidarity in order to provide concrete support to those who work and live in this sector. We also want to send a strong message to our country's political authorities: culture is alive and well, but it is suffering, and those who bring it to life are asking for help, consideration, respect and a listening ear.
Why help only this sector when our entire society has been impacted by this earthquake? Our goal is by no means to further divide an already fragmented society. But we believe that if each sector organises itself on its own scale (and ours is already immense), initiatives will multiply, inspire each other and spread like wildfire.
Furthermore, we do not exercise any form of ‘control’ over our beneficiaries. No paperwork, documents or artist status is required. We do not consider people in the cultural and creative industries to be superior to others, but because we know this environment and believe that targeted assistance is appropriate.
We are cultural workers, living and working in Brussels. We are not affiliated with any political party, we do not preach for any cause, we simply want to support our colleagues and partners in these difficult times.

Culture is an integral part of our society and our daily lives.
We are committed to ensuring that it remains so.

Feed the culture Brussels
May 2020