About

Our mission

Stichting Muziekgieterij is committed to providing a solid foundation within the music scene in Maastricht, and its Euroregional surroundings, that is accessible to all. From pop-rock, to indie and urban, and from emerging singers to well-known bands. Our driving force is the love of music.

Our core values are:

• Inclusivity, with the team taking care of visitors and artists and making them feel welcome. Muziekgieterij is a meeting place for musicians and audiences.
• Innovativity; this is not just focused on the programme, which provides new discovery options for our audience, but also in the way we operate. Thus, solutions are always sought so that a visitor can enjoy music anytime, anywhere, be it in Muziekgieterij or outside.
• Internationality; the international character comes not only from the location of the pop venue, but also from the mentality of the team and that is intertwined with another core value, inclusivity.

Vision

Our goal is to strengthen and anchor Muziekgieterij as ‘the place to be’ for (alternative) pop music in Maastricht and the Euregion, making a positive impact on all our visitors, creators and artists.

History

Muziekgieterij is one of the youngest music venues in the Netherlands. It was founded in 2004 and in less than 20 years, the music venue in the Limburg capital has become the trendsetter of Maastricht and the Euregion. You can read about it on our history page.

How do we do this?

By offering full-fledged programming for both the stages and the production house, Muziekgieterij aims to be able to be a place for everyone. This goal is also pursued by (co-)programming several festivals.

In doing so, it not only looks at current offerings, but also at tomorrow’s. With talent development, under the banner of the production house set up in 2019, new artists, bands and schoolchildren are also taken by the hand. This will make music practice and experience more accessible.

Programming

The various halls of Muziekgieterij host events and concerts several times a week, during the day, in the evening and at night. We have electronic, world, urban, pop-rock, heavy, indie, and all the subgenres that belong within them. 

Production company

The production company works in several areas: ‘mature’ bands are spotlighted through live sessions in the studio. The production house also releases music through the M-PX label. Upcoming bands are coached in the talent development process and schoolchildren are warmed up to play instruments. This stratification ensures a good flow and contributes to the main goal of Muziekgieterij.

Muziekgieterij was founded in 2004. With the closure of the Kombi in 1987, much of Maastricht’s music scene rehearsed in the old Ceylon Factory on Maastricht’s Sandersweg. Then, in 2004, the initial business plan was written for the current Stichting Muziekgieterij.

In 2007, with assistance from the municipality, the foundation was able to move into the old L1 Building on Bankastraat. With 3 rehearsal rooms, 1 DJ Laboratory, 1 studio, 1 club (cap. 250 visitors) and 1 festival (BRUIS), a jumpstart was made during that year. Due to great success, Muziekgieterij took the next step in 2009, in joint consultation with the municipality.

Muziekgieterij was included in the city’s cultural policy and a subsidy relationship with the municipality of Maastricht was established. By 2012, visitor numbers and the frequency of productions were now so high that this was accompanied by considerable inconvenience for the Mariaberg neighbourhood. Consequently, Muziekgieterij had to close its Bankastraat doors in June 2012.

In March 2013, Muziekgieterij was temporarily housed in the Timmerfabriek (part of the old Sphinx factories), both for the concerts and the office space.

However, the pre-conceived function of hosting concerts at this location proved impossible and further development of the space was put on hold. Therefor, only one concert hall with a capacity of 650 visitors was exploited in this beautiful historic building. From day one in the Timmerfabriek, established names stood alongside new talent and emerging movements were given the chance to reach a wide audience. Muziekgieterij became a household name in the region and was able to establish itself permanently in the Timmerfabriek.

In 2017, pop music culture received the appreciation and recognition of the municipality and the renovation and new construction (designed by Maurer United) of the new Muziekgieterij in the Timmerfabriek began.

The official opening took place in September 2019, giving the city of Maastricht another full-fledged professional pop stage with 2 halls (capacity 1100 and 420 visitors), 6 rehearsal rooms, 1 studio and 1 foyer, giving Muziekgieterij an important boost to the development of the Sphinx Quarter.

Muziekgieterij is a non-profit organisation: a foundation with cultural and social objectives with ANBI status.

Organisation

At the head of the organisation are business director Richard Loomans and creative director Wim Smeets. They lead a team responsible for programme creation, management staff, marketing, production, technology, building management, catering and audience service.

Supervisory board

The Supervisory board of the Muziekgieterij Foundation consists of: Nico Gerardu (chairman), Theo Thuis and Stijn Huijts.

Muziekgieterij is a dynamic, open venue that provides a safe environment for artists, staff, guests and visitors. Respect, equality, integrity, openness and consideration for others are key. Undesirable behaviour, such as sexual harassment, aggression, bullying or discrimination, is not tolerated. We take undesirable behaviour seriously and act quickly and appropriately. This message is carried throughout the organisation, from management to backstage.

Safe workplace

Muziekgieterij bears responsibility for a positive and safe working environment in which everyone-whether artist, employee or visitor-can develop. Respect for each other, regardless of origin, belief, sexual orientation, disability or position, is essential. We believe in openness and inclusiveness, which is why undesirable behaviour is unacceptable.

Tailor-made solutions

We take individual situations into account and look for appropriate solutions. Clear rules form the basis, but trust and flexibility are paramount. Everyone involved in Muziekgieterij is expected to respect and propagate these principles during their presence in the venue.

Responsibility for each other

We expect everyone-artists, staff and visitors-to contribute to a positive atmosphere. Inappropriate behaviour should always be addressed, whether directly with the person involved or through third parties.

Supervision and support

Muziekgieterij has appointed a confidential advisor to whom people can turn in case of problems. We collaborate with external experts when necessary and offer professional support in dealing with undesirable behaviour.

Protocol for conflicts

In the event of conflicts or undesirable behaviour, Muziekgieterij listens to all involved, seeks mediation and takes appropriate action if necessary. In extreme cases, a formal warning or even exclusion may follow. Sensitive matters are handled discreetly to safeguard the privacy of those involved.

Stichting Muziekgieterij is registered with the tax authorities as an institution for general benefit (ANBI).

From January 1, 2021, new conditions will apply to ANBIs. From that date, the provision of information by charities via the internet will be a legal condition for retaining ANBI status. After all, more (free) transparency is demanded from ANBIs from the public interest.

Stichting Muziekgieterij meets these requirements and publishes the requested information on its internet site. For the sake of clarity, a summary and reference is given below:

• Institution name: Stichting Muziekgieterij
• The RSIN or tax ID number: 815607982
• Other details can be found on the website of the Federatie van Werkgeversverenigingen in de Cultuur