This benefit has been established to give artists an opportunity to pursue an entertaining profession. The benefit applies for a maximum of four years. This is a special form in the context of social provisions. Many people see this form of benefit as an unjustified way to support artists. Someone who has a paid profession, but who wants to turn any hobby into his profession, does not have the opportunity to build up a life for four years, with benefits in hand.
However, the benefit does ensure that artists get a chance, which is also good for the cultural development of the Netherlands.
Who is entitled to a benefit under the Artists’ Work and Income Act (WWIK)?
These are artists who do not earn enough or temporarily do not earn enough to provide for their livelihood. They also have no assets to live on. In addition, a requirement is that they have successfully left the Academy and have therefore graduated from a course recognized by the Minister of Education, Culture and Science. Artists who already have a professional practice may also be entitled to the benefit. They must have earned at least 1,200 gross from their artist work in the year preceding the payment.
Difference between the Work and Social Assistance Act and the WWIK?
The benefit from the WWIK is 20 to 30 percent lower than the benefit from the Work and Social Assistance Act. On the other hand, they can supplement their benefit with income until they reach 125 percent of the social assistance standard, without having their benefit from the WWIK reduced. There is no obligation to apply for a job in the WWIK, so that the artist can fully focus on the artist’s work.
Conditions for remaining entitled to the benefit
The artist must remain professionally active as an artist. To check this, a professional conduct investigation is carried out by the municipality after 12 months. During the four years that you are entitled to a benefit from the WWIK, there must be a progression in the level of income. This not only concerns income from art, but income may also come from other activities, such as a side job. After 12 months, the artist must earn a minimum gross income (excluding professional costs): 2,800. After 24 months this amount increases to 4,400, and after 36 months to 6,000.
How is the WWIK benefit paid out?
Because the amount of the payment depends on the artist’s own income, an advance is initially paid. Afterwards, it is examined how high the benefit should have been. The settlement will take place as soon as it is clear how high the income was in the year in question. A fixed amount is set aside annually for professional expenses. This amount is rounded off to 3,500.
Abolish WWIK as of 2012
There are plans to abolish the WWIK as of January 1, 2012. The plan is currently (December 20, 2011) still under review by the Senate. Abolition will mean that artists will have to rely on the Work and Social Assistance Act.