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Dutch Venues see 14% spending increase in 2024
July6
Expenditure at Dutch venues increased by 14% in 2024 compared to the previous year, reaching a total of €255.3 million, according to data from the Association of Dutch Pop Venues and Festivals (VNPF). The analysis covers 59 affiliated venues across the Netherlands.
The rise in costs reflects increases in both fixed and variable expenses. Programming costs grew by 17%, driven by a higher number of concerts and increased artist fees, reaching €89.6 million. Personnel expenses rose by 16% to €89.7 million, influenced by a 3% increase in full-time equivalent staff and higher wages for salaried employees, as well as increased rates for freelance workers.
Housing costs, which include rent and energy, went up by 6%. Catering expenses also grew by 12%.
In 2024, program and personnel costs each accounted for 35% of total spending, with housing costs representing 11%. The remainder covered catering (6%), marketing (2%), and other expenses (11%). The overall expenditure distribution remained largely consistent with 2023, showing only slight shifts in the shares of program, personnel, and housing costs.
Among personnel costs, 73% were allocated to salaried employees, 14% to freelancers, and 7% to temporary or payroll-hired staff. Artist fees made up 64% of direct program costs, with royalties accounting for 5% and other artist-related expenses—such as travel, catering, accommodation, equipment, and agency commissions—making up 31%.
The expenditure patterns were similar across small, medium, and large venues, although larger venues showed a slightly higher share of program costs, while smaller venues had proportionally higher personnel and housing expenses.
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