The goal is to openly discuss the current state of living and working spaces for artists—with a focus on studio apartments and live-work spaces—based on the need for inventory and future perspectives. In addition to artists, other stakeholders were invited, including representatives from housing corporations, tenant organizations, CAWA, and the incubator agency. Artists, in particular, responded to the invitation. Ultimately, it was a very constructive meeting in which participants openly shared information and questions. From the session, Platform BK and Kunstenbond identified action points for further development regarding this topic and the questions raised. We also encourage everyone to continue sharing information with Platform BK and Kunstenbond so we can continue working on this matter in an informed manner. We have also compiled a list of useful information to strengthen your position as a tenant. All of this information was shared with those present.

Note: There’s a significant difference in definition between a studio apartment and an artist’s apartment; the municipality of Amsterdam has a different view on this. Therefore, it’s important to know which type of apartment is being discussed.

• Read up on the history of the studio, building, or apartment.
• Is there a residents’ association? If not, set one up! A housing association is obligated (Consultation Act) to consult with you if you are a residents’ association. This gives you more say. Depending on how the housing associations’ tenant associations (umbrella organizations) are organized, you can participate in the umbrella organizations’ General Members’ Meeting. This can be important because the tenant associations, along with the housing associations and the municipality, are discussion partners in the Collaboration Agreements where the definition of studio apartments is (re)established. You can also join forces within your own housing corporation/tenants’ association as tenants of studio apartments and studios. In recent years, it has been experienced that tenant organizations don’t always consider the importance of affordable living and working space for artists.
• For a studio building, it can be helpful to form a legal entity/association foundation or at least meet regularly.
• Contact artists in your neighborhood to find out where the studios and studio apartments are located and take action together where necessary.
• What does your contract state? Are you renting a studio, studio apartment, or artist’s residence? Are you living temporarily or for a longer period? What is the duration, etc. What does the lease agreement state? What is the intended use of the property? All this information is useful to know in case changes occur.
• Stay informed about your property by constantly Googling it and seeing what is publicly stated about it.
• Contact or establish contact with the council members on the district committees, arts council, and CAWA (Central Agency for the Protection of Housing) who are involved in negotiations regarding your property. Also, keep the arts association, PBK, or other interest groups informed of your findings.
• !Woon also has a pilot fund, the Emil Blaauw Fund, which helps with legal matters.
• !Woon can also assist with setting up a residents’ committee and other questions related to renting.
• Speaking in the council committee on housing and arts topics can also help keep the topic on the agenda. It often helps when people from the field speak.