A stage, lighting, sound, and visuals are indispensable for Bridge to Liberation. But behind the scenes, much more is needed to organize a new edition every year. From finances and production to making space available: CROP, Production World, and Volkshuisvesting Arnhem each contribute from their own role.
For Bart Wisse, Bridge to Liberation does not stop after the evening on the Rijnkade. As treasurer of the Bridge to Liberation Foundation, he is involved in the financial side of the organization throughout the year.
Financial settlement with grant providers follows afterwards. Meanwhile, around Christmas, the first plans and draft budgets for a new edition are already underway. The foundation has almost no resources of its own and depends on subsidies and donations every year to be able to organize Bridge to Liberation.
Bart is involved in the board on behalf of CROP accountants & adviseurs . CROP contributes by providing a treasurer and offering support with the financial administration and the collaboration with the external accountant.
For me personally, it is important to be able to contribute to the message that freedom is not something to be taken for granted
That is why Bart believes it is important that the stories of Bridge to Liberation are passed on to today's society.
Production World has been involved with Bridge to Liberation for several years and is responsible for the technical production. Their role is to connect and bring together the various parts of the production.
Every year, they work with a fixed team of organizers, artists, partners, and suppliers. Over the years, that collaboration has become increasingly attuned to one another.
What makes it special is that we manage to do it together, year after year
For Production World, the significance of Bridge to Liberation also plays an important role. They view the event as a way to increase social engagement and awareness and to show that freedom is not something to be taken for granted. Now that fewer and fewer people can tell these stories from their own memory, they consider it important that they continue to live on in other ways.
Volkshuisvesting Arnhem contributes in a different way and opens its building as a location for activities and meetings surrounding Bridge to Liberation. The housing corporation views its office not only as a workplace, but as a hub that can make a difference for the city.
As an Arnhem-based housing association, Volkshuisvesting feels closely connected to Arnhem and its residents. By providing space for Bridge to Liberation, the organization contributes to an initiative that connects the city, its history, and its inhabitants.
Freedom begins with a safe place to be home
For Volkshuisvesting, freedom means that people have the space to live, thrive, and participate in society. Continuing to tell the stories surrounding the Battle of Arnhem is part of this: they connect generations of Arnhemmers with the history of their city and remind us that freedom is not something to be taken for granted.
Bridge to Liberation takes place on Friday, September 18 at 8:30 PM at the Rijnkade in Arnhem. The performance is free to attend and can be watched live via NPO 3, Omroep Gelderland, and the livestream at bridgetoliberation.nl.
