ROTTERDAM, 4 April 2024 – A new initiative, Pitch Parade, has been launched to empower the youth of Zuid-Holland to bring their cultural and social visions to life. Funding and support are available for young individuals aiming to make a difference in their communities.

Pitch parade: empowering young voices

The Kunstgebouw and the VSBfonds have collaborated to create the Pitch Parade, a platform aimed at supporting youth between the ages of 15 and 27 from small to medium-sized municipalities in Zuid-Holland. The initiative offers financial support and guidance to help young people execute their cultural and societal projects. Initially launched in Vlaardingen, the programme is set to expand to six additional municipalities in 2024.

Opportunities for youth

Participants in the Pitch Parade can engage in a variety of projects, from organizing festivals to starting community gardens or reading clubs. The initiative helps to realize these ideas and contributes to the personal development of the participants and their community engagement. Winners of the pitch receive up to €2,500 per project, with each municipality allocating a total of €5,000 for multiple projects. This financial support is complemented by professional guidance from Kunstgebouw and local cultural centres.

Benefits and learning outcomes

By participating in the Pitch Parade, young people gain valuable experience in pitching ideas and applying for grants, thereby enhancing their skills and expanding their networks. This opportunity allows them to actively contribute to their communities, achieving personal growth and societal impact.

Upcoming events and participation

The next Pitch Parade event is scheduled for 17 April 2024 at the Centrum voor de Kunsten in Spijkenisse. The event begins at 19:00. Those interested in participating or seeking more information can visit www.pitchparade.nl. Future events are planned for Capelle aan den IJssel, Rijswijk, Schiedam, Zoetermeer, and Zwijndrecht throughout 2024.

Directions to the Centrum voor de Kunsten

The Centrum voor de Kunsten in Spijkenisse is located centrally, easily accessible by public transport and car. 

ROTTERDAM, 2 April 2024 — From 3 April, patrons at Hoogvliet supermarkets will have the opportunity to collect stamps to purchase a 3D puzzle, replicating the Feyenoord home shirt. This item can be acquired for €7.99 upon the completion of a savings card with 11 stamps.

Shoppers will earn one stamp for every €10 spent on groceries from 3 April until 7 May, 2024. The shirt, a faithful representation of Feyenoord's actual home shirt, is designed to be assembled into a 3D puzzle by individuals aged seven and above, comprising 59 pieces. This initiative is a result of the Official Partnership between Hoogvliet supermarkets and Feyenoord.

Promotional competition details

In conjunction with the puzzle purchase, using a completed savings card, customers will also receive a lottery ticket offering the chance to win exclusive Feyenoord-themed prizes, including:

• A clinic with players from Feyenoord Women’s team 1 (for children)
• Autographed Feyenoord shirts
• Tickets to the Feyenoord vs PEC Zwolle match
• Official Feyenoord footballs

Further details about the savings campaign and associated competition can be found on Hoogvliet’s official website.

ROTTERDAM, 26 March 2024 – A new project recognises efforts to combat poverty and debt in Rotterdam. Alderman Mohamed-Hoesein awarded the first cheque to a Rozenburg entrepreneur.

Rotterdam unites against poverty and debt

The Municipality of Rotterdam has joined forces with its citizens to address poverty within the city. The initiative 'Samen sterk tegen armoede en schulden' (Strong together against poverty and debts) celebrates community members who have organised neighbourhood initiatives to assist Rotterdam residents affected by poverty. On Tuesday, 26 March 2024, the Alderman for Poverty Reduction, Debt Assistance and Language, Mohamed-Hoesein, surprised the first nominee with a cheque.

Local entrepreneur rewarded for anti-poverty efforts

Entrepreneur Anna van Rossen, owner of the thrift shop Anna’s Markthal in Rozenburg, is the first to be acknowledged. Recognised for her commitment to aiding those with limited financial means, she was presented with a €250 cheque. Van Rossen's mission is to help as many people as possible through affordable items and often provides goods for free. Her shop serves as a vital social hub where locals not only shop but also share their stories over coffee.

Encouraging community initiatives

The municipality acknowledges that tackling poverty requires collaboration beyond governmental efforts. Alderman Mohamed-Hoesein stated, "By joining forces, we hope to support as many residents as possible and to inspire other citizens to launch similar initiatives. It's essential to recognize and thank those making a difference in the lives of residents living in poverty." Residents are encouraged to nominate notable anti-poverty initiatives in their neighbourhoods by contacting This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

ROTTERDAM, 26 March 2024 – After a hiatus of four years, the much-anticipated comic con event of the Netherlands made its grand return to Rotterdam, marking a memorable weekend filled with highlights at the Ahoy venue.

After being absent for four years, the Comic Film & Manga Fest made its comeback last weekend at the Rotterdam Ahoy, bringing together fans for a highly anticipated event. The festival, now rebranded and expanded, offered attendees an extensive programme featuring renowned international actors such as Tom Felton of Harry Potter fame, Christopher Lloyd from Back to the Future, and Jeff Ward known for his role in One Piece. With 6,500 visitors, the event successfully captivated a large audience.

A rich and varied programme

On the 23rd and 24th of March, the Ahoy venue was transformed into a paradise for enthusiasts of comic books, manga, anime, cosplay, board games, films, and TV series. The festival commenced with a celebratory opening on the main stage, where film stars and professional cosplayers were introduced. Highlights included photo opportunities with favourite artists, autograph sessions, meet & greets, and cosplay. Photoshoot booths, especially those themed around Stranger Things, Beauty & The Beast, and The Last of Us, were particularly popular, as was the opportunity to take photos with the DeLorean DMC-12, the iconic car from Back to the Future. The festival concluded on Sunday with a concert by Tom Felton.

Recap: Comic Film & Manga Fest's triumphant return to Rotterdam

Tattoos, graffiti, cosplay competitions, and more

The event offered a plethora of activities for dedicated cosplayers and pop culture fans alike, including photoshoots, panel talks with favourite actors, comic artists, and cosplayers, as well as live draw & graffiti workshops. Attendees also had the chance to purchase action figures, posters, various merchandise, comic books, unique Asian food, and even get tattoos on site. In the artist alley, guests could meet various comic artists, including Robert van der Kroft, known for Sjors & Sjimmie.

A successful edition

The Comic Film & Manga Fest 2024 welcomed 6,500 visitors, providing an array of activities and experiences. The event was deemed a success, creating lasting memories for attendees and setting the stage for next year's edition, scheduled for 15 & 16 March 2025. Tickets are already available online.