Cool kunst en cultuur

What Cool kunst en cultuur does

Cool kunst en cultuur is a Dutch cultural center headquartered at Coolplein 1 in Heerhugowaard, municipality of Dijk en Waard, legally structured as Stichting Cool and operating as the primary cultural institution of the region since 2008. It delivers a unified portfolio of theater and concert programming (Rodi Media zaal and Toon halls), structured music and visual-arts education (instrumental and vocal lessons, courses, after-school programs), and event venue rental supported by an in-house technical team and Café Cool hospitality. The organization runs two locations after taking over management of CEC De Binding in Zuid-Scharwoude in 2024, and serves five customer segments: general public, students and course participants, schools (Cool voor School), socially vulnerable populations (Cool Sociaal), and corporate/private event organizers.

The core technology stack is non-proprietary: ticketing and enrollment run on the Ovatic/LVP system, with online self-serve via the website and 'Mijn Cool' member portal; in-person transactions are handled at the Servicebalie. There is no disclosed proprietary platform, no AI/ML capability, and no mobile app. Service delivery is fundamentally physical and human-capital intensive, relying on a ~50-100 person staff plus a large bench of external music, theater, and visual-arts teachers.

Revenue is generated across multiple streams: theater/concert ticket sales (transactional), music and art lessons (seasonal subscriptions with installment payments, subsidized for Dijk en Waard residents), short courses and workshops, venue and room rental (transactional), Café Cool food and beverage, the Vrienden van Cool membership at €45 per season (recurring), donations via the Vrienden voor Vriendenfonds, and sponsorships (main sponsor, foyer/chair/project sponsors, brochure advertisers). The capital stack is materially de-risked by structural municipal subsidy from Gemeente Dijk en Waard and recurring grants from Fonds Podiumkunsten, Fonds voor Cultuurparticipatie, and Hersenstichting, with the municipality also commissioning De Binding programming. Go-to-market is event-driven and community-anchored: flagship annual events (Cool Open!, Winter Wonder Walk, Babbels Peuter- & Kleuterfestival, Diversity Week), trial lessons (Proefweek), school-channel acquisition, and the Vrienden membership drive awareness and recurring participation.

Name

Cool kunst en cultuur

Legal name

Stichting Cool

Website

https://coolkunstencultuur.nl

Company type

Private

Founded year

2008

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

51–100 employees

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Performing Arts & Cultural Center Services

NAICS

Performing Arts, Spectator Sports, and Related Industries (711), Arts, Entertainment, and Recreation (71)

SIC

Services-Amusement & Recreation Services (7900)

akta.pro primary industry

Performing Arts Camps (Theater, Musical Theater, Dance) (EDAMALAI)

akta.pro secondary industries

Arts & Design Camps (Visual Arts, Crafts, Design Thinking) (EDAMALAH), Indigenous, Ethnic & Folk Arts/Heritage Organizations (BPAGAHAI)

Keywords

• Theater performances
• Arts education programs
• Cultural event venue
• Music lessons
• Community cultural programming

Headquarters

HQ city

Heerhugowaard

HQ country

Netherlands

HQ region

Europe

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B and B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure, Technology or R&D, Others

Revenue model

1. Theater ticket sales: Revenue from selling tickets for theater performances, concerts, films, and events in the Rodi Media zaal (large hall) and Toon (small hall). Ticket sales are handled through the Servicebalie and an online ticketing system (Ovatic/LVP).
2. Music and art lessons: Annual subscription-based instrumental lessons and singing lessons, with multiple lesson formats (duoles, individual, knipkaart). Cool charges per season with installment payment options. Residents of Dijk en Waard receive subsidized rates from municipal subsidy.
3. Short courses and workshops: Revenue from short-term and one-time courses in areas such as theater, visual arts, photography, and film, as well as after-school courses offered at primary schools across Dijk en Waard.
4. Venue and room rental: Spaces and halls (including the Rodi Media zaal, Toon, artiestenfoyer, Café Cool, and meeting rooms) are available for rental for events, business events, and productions. Catering coordination is available through Esther de Koning (events manager).
5. Café Cool horeca: Café Cool operates before performances and events, serving food and beverages. The café also hosts corporate and private events.
6. Vrienden van Cool membership: Annual membership (Vrienden van Cool) at €45 per theatrical season provides members with priority booking, best seat selection, invitations to season presentations, a printed brochure, New Year's reception access, behind-the-scenes tours, and discounts on selected performances and trial lessons.
7. Donations and Vrienden voor Vriendenfonds: Donations to the Vrienden voor Vriendenfonds (Friends for Friends Fund) support the Cool Sociaal Ticket program, making theater accessible for people with limited means. Donations can be made in preset amounts (€5, €10, €50).
8. Sponsorships and advertising: Revenue from sponsors who fund the theater's rooms, foyers, Café Cool, or specific projects. Sponsors receive naming rights and visibility on the website and in brochures. Adverteerders purchase advertising space in the annual brochure. Chair sponsors (stoelsponsors) fund individual theater seats.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels8 records

Marketing channels10 records

Core offering

Cool kunst en cultuur is a community-based cultural center that presents live theater, concerts, films, and festivals; delivers music lessons, art courses, theater training, and workshops for all ages; and rents out its halls, studios, and Café Cool for corporate and private events. It also runs Cool Sociaal, an inclusive program suite for people facing financial, physical, or social barriers to cultural participation. The organization operates from its main site at Coolplein 1 in Heerhugowaard and CEC De Binding in Zuid-Scharwoude, both within the municipality of Dijk en Waard.

Product overview

Cool kunst en cultuur is a cultural center in Heerhugowaard offering a unified platform of theater, education, and events. The core offerings include Theater & Concerten (live performances in the Rodi Media zaal and Toon), Lessen & Cursussen (music lessons, art courses, theater training), and Events (venues and festivals). Key products include Cool Open! festival, Cool's Winter Wonder Walk, Babbels Peuter- & Kleuterfestival, and Diversity Week Dijk en Waard. Since 2024, Cool also manages De Binding in Zuid-Scharwoude as a second location. The Cool Sociaal program provides inclusive cultural access through initiatives like Cool Sociaal Ticket, sensory-friendly visits, and community arts programs. Café Cool provides hospitality services during events.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• De Binding: Cultureel en Educatief Centrum De Binding in Zuid-Scharwoude, managed by Cool kunst en cultuur since 2024.
• CEC De Binding
• Cool Sociaal

Products and services

• Theater & Concerten Live theater performances, concerts, films, and shows presented in the Rodi Media zaal (large hall) and Toon (small hall), featuring national and local performers for the general public of Dijk en Waard.
• Lessen & Cursussen Music lessons (instrumental and vocal), art courses, theater and musical training, and short courses for children, youths, and adults, delivered by a team of external teachers in music, theater, musical theater, and visual arts.
• Events & Venue Rental Rental of the Rodi Media zaal, Toon, artiestenfoyer, Café Cool, and meeting rooms for business events, corporate gatherings, weddings, receptions, and productions, including catering coordination and full technical support.
• Cool Open! Free annual festival held the second weekend of September to kick off the cultural season, featuring cabaret previews, education demonstrations, live performances, creative workshops, and community encounters across two days.
• Cool's Winter Wonder Walk Annual pre-Christmas musical event in December where students perform Christmas songs throughout the venue in a guided tour format; the 2024 edition attracted over 600 visitors.
• Café Cool On-site café serving food and beverages before performances and events, also available for private hire and corporate hospitality.
• CEC De Binding Second Cool location at Bosgroet 12 in Zuid-Scharwoude, managed by Cool since 2024 and culturally programmed on behalf of the municipality of Dijk en Waard from early 2025.
• Cool Sociaal Inclusive arts and culture programs including the Cool Sociaal Ticket, sensory-friendly theater visits (Prikkelarm), Komt het Zien! (audio description for blind/visually impaired), Vier het Leven (senior accompaniment), Mee-Zing-Kring (dementia music program), Zing je sterk, Dans wat je kan, Kunst Proeven, and Beleef Kunst.
• Babbels Peuter- & Kleuterfestival Annual festival for toddlers and preschoolers featuring shows, interactive workshops, and stories, organized as part of the national KinderTheaterWeek in partnership with Kinderopvang Babbels.
• Diversity Week Dijk en Waard Week of activities, encounters, and inspiring performances celebrating diversity, organized by Cool in collaboration with the municipality of Dijk en Waard.
• Vrienden van Cool Annual friends membership program priced at €45 per theatrical season, offering priority booking, best seat selection, season presentation invitations, brochure delivery, New Year's reception access, behind-the-scenes tours, occasional discounts, and €5 off two trial lessons.
• Cool voor School Cultural education programs for primary and secondary schools in Dijk en Waard, including school performances, in-class programs, after-school courses, end-of-primary-school musicals, and the CmK (Cultuur Met Kwaliteit) program aligned with the national curriculum.

Quantifiable outcome

• €4,200 raised for the Cool Sociaal Ticket program through the Santa Run Dijk en Waard 2024
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers9 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles5 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration1 record

Partnerships

39 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Dakkapellen.nu / Kunststofkozijn.nucoreGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2026From the 2026-2027 season, Dakkapellen.nu / Kunststofkozijn.nu (founded 2021 in Heerhugowaard by Ruud and Bart) becomes the main sponsor of Café Cool. The companies specialize in dormer roofs and plastic window frames for home improvement and sustainability.
• Rotary Dijk en WaardminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2024Organized the Santa Run Dijk en Waard 2024, which designated Cool Sociaal Ticket as a charitable cause and raised €4,200 for the program.
• Fonds PodiumkunstencoreOthersNational Dutch fund supporting performing arts organizations. Provides structural funding to Cool kunst en cultuur as part of the organization's public funding base.
• Fonds voor CultuurparticipatiecoreOthersNational Dutch fund promoting cultural participation. Supports Cool's inclusive and participatory cultural programs including Kunst Proeven.
• Gemeente Dijk en WaardcoreOthersThe municipality of Dijk en Waard is the primary government funder of Cool kunst en cultuur. Provides subsidy enabling reduced lesson fees for residents and commissioned Cool to program CEC De Binding in Zuid-Scharwoude since 2024.
• HersenstichtingminorOthersBrain health foundation supporting the Mee-Zing-Kring dementia music program and Zing je sterk singing program at Cool, contributing to inclusive cultural offerings for people with brain-related conditions.
• Rodi MediacoreGTM or Marketing PartnerMain sponsor (hoofdsponsor) and namesake of the Rodi Media zaal (large theater hall). Rodi Media is a local media company providing household newspapers and digital content in Dijk en Waard. As main sponsor, Rodi Media provides financial support and receives naming rights and prominent visibility on website and in brochures.
• McKili CateringcoreGTM or Marketing PartnerFoyer sponsor of the Mc Kili Catering Foyer on the first floor. McKili Catering & Events B.V. provides catering services, described as offering sparkling dishes to crazy events, both at home and on location.
• Kinderopvang BabbelsminorGTM or Marketing PartnerProject partner for the Babbels Peuter- & Kleuterfestival, a major annual children's theater event at Cool. Babbels is a childcare organization serving children ages 0–12, and its involvement supports the festival's family-oriented programming.
• MET Dijk & WaardminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerHealthcare organization that co-developed the 'Kunst Proeven' course with Cool. MET refers participants with physical or mental health challenges to participate in the 15-week art and wellbeing course at Cool, addressing both creative development and personal wellness.
• Stichting Vier het LevenminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerFoundation partnering with Cool to enable seniors (65+) to attend theater performances. Volunteers pick up participants at home, accompany them during the show, and return them home, removing transport and mobility barriers to cultural participation.
• Komt het Zien!minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerOrganization providing live audio description for blind and visually impaired theatergoers. Cool and Komt het Zien! co-produce accessible theater experiences including a pre-show 'Meet & Feel' tactile exploration of the set and live narration during performances via headset.
• GeriantminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerLocal dementia care organization partnering with Cool for the Mee-Zing-Kring, a weekly musical gathering for people with dementia and their loved ones. Geriant staff support participation as part of holistic dementia care.
• De Pieter Raat StichtingminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerSenior care organization in Heerhugowaard collaborating on the Mee-Zing-Kring dementia music program. Also co-hosts the Gouden Dagen Festival with Cool for seniors.
• Won Plus WelzijnminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerLocal well-being organization partnering with Cool on the Mee-Zing-Kring dementia-inclusive singing circle, contributing to community-based care and social well-being initiatives.
• Oogcentrum NoordhollandminorGTM or Marketing PartnerEye care center co-enabling the 'Komt het Zien!' accessible theater experience for blind and visually impaired audiences. Sponsors the experience alongside Cool.
• AB InBevminorGTM or Marketing PartnerAdvertiser in Cool's annual brochure. AB InBev is the second-largest brewery in the Netherlands, with brands including Jupiler, Hertog Jan, and Leffe.
• AllenteminorGTM or Marketing PartnerAdvertiser in Cool's annual brochure. Allente operates Integrated Children's Centers (IKC's) in Dijk en Waard, combining childcare and education.
• Bibliotheek KennemerwaardminorGTM or Marketing PartnerAdvertiser in Cool's annual brochure. Bibliotheek Kennemerwaard is the regional public library, offering books, activities, digital literacy courses, and community programs.
• BlosseminorGTM or Marketing PartnerAdvertiser in Cool's annual brochure. Blosse is an educational organization for children, inspiring broad development in connection with others and the world.
• De Pieter Raat Stichting & Gouden Dagen HeerhugowaardminorGTM or Marketing PartnerAdvertiser in Cool's annual brochure. The Pieter Raat Stichting supports seniors in aging well, organizing the Gouden Vrienden Festival including a theater production by seniors and a lecture by Roek Lips.
• Hoogheemraadschap Hollands NoorderkwartierminorGTM or Marketing PartnerAdvertiser in Cool's annual brochure. HHNK is a Dutch water management board managing dikes, locks, and purification installations for 1.2 million North Holland residents.
• SegafredominorGTM or Marketing PartnerAdvertiser in Cool's annual brochure. Segafredo is an Italian espresso company introducing authentic Italian coffee through a harmonious blend of composition, roasting, and preparation.
• Veldboer Eenhoorn Horeca & GrootverbruikminorGTM or Marketing PartnerAdvertiser in Cool's annual brochure. Veldboer Eenhoorn is a total supplier of hospitality products in North Holland for over 60 years, bringing together local suppliers, A-brands, and hospitality professionals.
• WarmThuisminorGTM or Marketing PartnerAdvertiser in Cool's annual brochure. WarmThuis provides day programs for people with dementia, their guests, and their relatives, focusing on recognizable surroundings, proximity, freedom, and personal autonomy.
• Museum BroekerveilingminorGTM or Marketing PartnerAdvertiser in Cool's annual brochure. Museum Broekerveiling is the oldest navigation vegetable auction in the world, offering canal boat tours and authentic regional products.
• Spaansen BloemenminorGTM or Marketing PartnerChair sponsor (stoelsponsor) of Cool, providing financial support for individual theater seats and receiving recognition on the chair and in sponsor listings.
• JongStress VrijminorGTM or Marketing PartnerChair sponsor (stoelsponsor) of Cool. JongStress Vrij appears to be a youth stress management organization.
• ArtfarmminorGTM or Marketing PartnerChair sponsor (stoelsponsor) of Cool.
• Q-ICTminorGTM or Marketing PartnerChair sponsor (stoelsponsor) of Cool. Q-ICT is an ICT services company.
• SHJ Controlling en AdviesminorGTM or Marketing PartnerChair sponsor (stoelsponsor) of Cool. SHJ provides controlling and advisory services.
• Nolte MezzanineminorGTM or Marketing PartnerChair sponsor (stoelsponsor) of Cool. Nolte Mezzanine provides mezzanine systems and storage solutions.
• NH1816 VerzekeringenminorGTM or Marketing PartnerCo-sponsor of the Santa Run Dijk en Waard 2024, contributing to the €4,200 raised for the Cool Sociaal Ticket.
• Adviesgroep het RaadhuisminorGTM or Marketing PartnerCo-sponsor of the Santa Run Dijk en Waard 2024, contributing to the €4,200 raised for the Cool Sociaal Ticket.
• Fonds Sluyterman van Loo / Lang Leve KunstminorOthersFoundation supporting the Mee-Zing-Kring dementia-inclusive singing program as part of the 'Lang Leve Kunst' initiative for arts and elderly well-being.
• Vaillant FondsminorOthersCharitable foundation supporting the Mee-Zing-Kring program for people with dementia.
• August Fentener van Vlissingen FondsminorOthersCharitable foundation supporting the Mee-Zing-Kring dementia music program.
• Gravin van Bylandt StichtingminorOthersCharitable foundation supporting the Mee-Zing-Kring dementia-inclusive singing program.
• Wishful SingingminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerEnsemble that developed the Zing je sterk (Sing Yourself Strong) singing and breath training program in collaboration with pulmonologists and physiotherapists. Cool offers the exclusive live version of this program, complementing Wishful Singing's online curriculum.

Scale indicators5 records

Recent moves8 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Broad incumbents

• Schouwburg Haarlem: Larger Dutch municipal theater in Haarlem offering a wide portfolio of theater, dance, concerts, and educational programming. Comparable as a more established North Holland cultural center with broader programming and larger audience reach.
• Toneelgroep Amsterdam: Major Dutch theater company based in Amsterdam producing and staging theatrical performances. Adjacent rather than direct, as it is a producing theater company versus Cool's venue-and-education model, but operating in the same Dutch performing arts ecosystem.

Direct peers

• Theater De Purmaryn: Regional theater in Purmerend, municipality of Purmerend in North Holland. Comparable as a Dutch municipal-subsidized theater offering mixed programming (theater, concerts, education) for a similar mid-sized Dutch municipality.
• Schouwburg Het Park: Regional theater and cultural venue in Hoorn serving the West-Friesland region of North Holland. Directly comparable as a mid-sized Dutch municipal theater offering theater programming, lessons, and venue rental to a similarly sized catchment area.
• Theater De Lievekamp: Theater in Oss, North Brabant, offering theater, concerts, and educational programming. Comparable as a Dutch regional theater combining performances, courses, and community events under municipal backing.
• Stadsschouwburg De Kampanje: Theater in Den Helder offering theater, concerts, and educational programming in North Holland. Directly comparable as a regional Dutch theater serving a similar mid-sized municipality with mixed programming.
• Theater Zuidplein: Theater in Rotterdam offering theater, music, and events for a similar regional Dutch catchment. Comparable as a Dutch cultural venue with mixed programming and venue rental services.
• Theater De Vesting: Theater in Purmerend offering mixed programming including theater, music, and educational courses. Comparable as a North Holland regional cultural center with a similar mix of performances, lessons, and venue rental.
• Schouwburg De Meervaal: Theater and cultural center in Amstelveen offering theater, music, dance, and educational programming. Comparable as a Dutch suburban cultural center combining performances with arts education and community events.

Emerging players

• Podium Mozaïek: Amsterdam-based cultural venue focused on diverse programming and community arts. Comparable as a Dutch cultural venue that combines performances with inclusive, community-anchored programming — overlapping with Cool's Cool Sociaal mission.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/coolkunstencultuur
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/cool-kunst-en-cultuur

Compliance1 record

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles8 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Cool kunst en cultuur