Stichting Zimihc

What Stichting Zimihc does

Stichting ZIMIHC (ZIMIHC theaters Utrecht) is a Dutch non-profit foundation (Stichting) established in 1989 and headquartered in Utrecht, the Netherlands. It operates as a regional platform ("Podium voor amateurkunst") for amateur arts, running three purpose-built theater venues — Theater Stefanus in Overvecht, Theater Wittevrouwen in the central Wittevrouwen district, and Theater Zuilen (the largest, with 185 seats and expandable to 220 plus standing capacity) — alongside a fourth experimental space, ZIMIHC Lab. Each venue is equipped with professional lighting, sound, and projection infrastructure and offers associated rehearsal studios and meeting rooms; the Zuilen location adds foyer, bar, catering (The Colour Kitchen), and free parking. The organization serves amateur musicians, choirs, brass bands, wind orchestras, theater groups, and individual performers, alongside community organizations (e.g., MADUA Utrecht, Oranje Comité Overvecht) and event organizers in Utrecht and the surrounding region.

The organization derives revenue from three streams: theater rental (with reduced and sometimes VAT-free rates for qualifying amateur-arts use), ticket sales (largely priced free to €25 via the Weeztix platform), and on-site catering under the LEKKER ZIMIHC brand. Beyond venue operations, ZIMIHC runs an Online Podium where artists create profiles and list events, maintains the Kennisbank Amateurkunst (a knowledge bank covering subsidies, governance, AVG/privacy, rights, marketing, and project planning), and operates branded programs including Utrecht Blaast (brass music), Utrecht Zingt (choral singing, with international festival experience including Europa Cantat 2009 and Leading Voices 2022), Kerken Luisteren (church concert series), A Lazy Sunday Afternoon (summer park festivals running 25+ years), and Zomer Express (summer programs for children aged 6–11).

ZIMIHC's go-to-market is community-led and event-driven: it reaches amateur artists via network meetings (Utrecht Blaast, Utrecht Zingt), open calls for performances, and program-based newsletters (Mailchimp), and it distributes through direct venue-rental inquiries and ticketing via Weeztix. Core institutional relationships include Gemeente Utrecht (municipal subsidy and co-funding), TivoliVredenburg (host venue for Utrecht Blaast Binnen 2027), the European Choral Association and Koornetwerk Nederland (choral networks), Kerken Kijken Utrecht (church-venue access), and The Colour Kitchen (catering). Revenue figures, headcount, and detailed financials are not disclosed.

Name

Stichting Zimihc

Legal name

Stichting Zimihc

Website

https://zimihc.nl

Company type

Private

Founded year

1989

Operating status

Operating

Short description

Stichting ZIMIHC is a Utrecht-based Dutch non-profit foundation, founded in 1989, that operates three theater venues and a digital platform providing performance space, knowledge resources, and community programs for amateur artists, choirs, and ensembles across the Utrecht region.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Performing Arts Venues

NAICS

Other Performing Arts Companies (711190), Theater Companies and Dinner Theaters (71111)

akta.pro primary industry

Multipurpose Event Center Operations (Civic Centers, Community Event Complexes) (MPAGALAE)

Keywords

• Theater venue rental
• Amateur performing arts
• Community cultural programming
• Arts knowledge platform
• Event catering services

Headquarters

HQ city

Utrecht

HQ country

Netherlands

HQ region

Europe

Offices4 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales, Supply Chain

Revenue model

1. Venue Rental: Rental of theater spaces (Stefanus, Wittevrouwen, Zuilen) and studio/rehearsal rooms for performances, rehearsals, meetings, and events. Special reduced rates available for amateur arts.
2. Ticket Sales: Revenue from ticket sales for performances and events at ZIMIHC venues. Some events are free (Kerken Luisteren), while others have ticket prices ranging from free to €25.
3. Catering Services (LEKKER ZIMIHC): On-site catering provided for events, rehearsals, and performances. Customized lunch and dinner options available.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels5 records

Core offering

Stichting Zimihc (ZIMIHC) operates three theater venues and the ZIMIHC Lab across Utrecht neighborhoods, renting performance halls, rehearsal studios, and meeting rooms to amateur artists, ensembles, and event organizers. The organization provides professional technical equipment (lighting, sound, projection, pianos), on-site catering through LEKKER ZIMIHC, and ticketed programming across signature series including Utrecht Blaast, Utrecht Zingt, Kerken Luisteren, A Lazy Sunday Afternoon, and Zomer Express. A free Online Podium web platform and a Kennisbank Amateurkunst knowledge resource support amateur artists with profile visibility, ticketing, and operational guidance.

Product overview

ZIMIHC theaters Utrecht operates as a multi-venue performing arts center offering three distinct theater locations (Stefanus in Overvecht, Wittevrouwen centrally located, and Zuilen with the largest 185-seat venue), all available for rental. The organization complements its venue operations with an online artist podium for profile creation and event management, and maintains several branded programs including Utrecht Blaast (brass music), Utrecht Zingt (choral singing), Kerken Luisteren (church concerts), and A Lazy Sunday Afternoon (park festivals). Additional offerings include catering services through LEKKER ZIMIHC, youth programming via Zomer Express, and a knowledge bank for amateur arts organizations.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• ZIMIHC theaters Utrecht: The main brand identity representing all theater venues and programming
• Utrecht Blaast
• Utrecht Zingt
• Kerken Luisteren
• A Lazy Sunday Afternoon
• Zomer Express
• LEKKER ZIMIHC
• ZIMIHC Lab

Products and services

• ZIMIHC Theater Stefanus Theater venue in the Overvecht neighborhood of Utrecht, available for rental for podium arts, events, congresses, workshops, and meetings, equipped with professional technical infrastructure. Targeted at amateur arts groups, community organizations, and small event organizers in Utrecht.
• ZIMIHC Theater Wittevrouwen Accessible and cozy central Utrecht theater venue with a 72-seat hall and five practice/meeting rooms (up to 25 persons each), suitable for try-outs, theater, cabaret, and workshops. Equipped with projector, flip-overs, pianos, and CD players; VAT-free for amateur arts rentals.
• ZIMIHC Theater Zuilen Professional Utrecht theater venue with retractable tribune seating for 185 visitors (up to 220 with extended configuration), wooden theater floor, atmospheric foyer with bar, two dressing rooms, piano, beamer, smoke machine, wifi, and a 45m2 rehearsal/meeting space. Includes free parking and on-site catering via The Colour Kitchen.
• Theatre Rental Services Rental of theater halls, foyers, studios, and rehearsal spaces across all three ZIMIHC venues for performances, corporate events, meetings, and rehearsals, with technical equipment (lighting, sound, projection) included. Special reduced rates available for amateur arts purposes.
• LEKKER ZIMIHC Catering On-site catering service providing custom lunch, dinner, and bespoke meal options for events, rehearsals, and performances at ZIMIHC venues, managed by an in-house chef. Available as an add-on to venue rentals.
• Online Podium (Artist Profiles & Agenda) Free digital platform where amateur artists create profiles, add events to the ZIMIHC agenda, and post calls for collaboration, increasing visibility for local artistic talent and connecting them with audiences.
• Utrecht Blaast Program Ongoing program promoting and supporting brass music in Utrecht, offering networking meetings (Utrecht Blaast network meetings), concerts, and festivals such as Utrecht Blaast Binnen 2027 (10 HaFaBra orchestras at TivoliVredenburg). Targeted at brass bands, wind ensembles, and their audiences.
• Utrecht Zingt Program Program promoting and supporting choral singing in Utrecht and surrounding region, offering workshops (with partners such as Nederlands Kamerkoor), choir director network meetings (Utrecht Zingt choir directors gatherings), choir days, and the Start to Sing 2026 national singing week. Targeted at choirs, choir directors, and choral administrators.
• Kerken Luisteren Concert Series Series of 25 free concerts in 7 churches across Utrecht's inner city, featuring local musicians from the Utrecht region and spanning jazz, piano, organ music, choirs, and classical performances. Co-organized with Kerken Kijken Utrecht. Targeted at local Utrecht audiences and amateur musicians.
• A Lazy Sunday Afternoon Festival Series Mini music festival series held in Utrecht parks featuring emerging local talent, spanning multiple genres including indie, folk, jazz, and pop. Running for over 25 years during summer programming. Targeted at local Utrecht audiences and amateur performing artists.
• Zomer Express Children's Program Summer vacation activity program for children ages 6-11, offering sports, music, DJ workshops, and creative activities across different ZIMIHC locations. Priced at €25 or free with U-pas, with additional free participation option for children in need.
• Het Musical Benefietconcert 2026 Annual benefit concert featuring musical theater performances, raising funds for Stichting Het Vergeten Kind. Tickets priced at €25 per attendee, sold through Weeztix platform. Targeted at musical theater audiences and charitable supporters.

Named customers10 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles2 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

Ten partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Kerken Kijken UtrechtcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCo-organizer of the Kerken Luisteren concert series featuring 25 free concerts in 7 churches throughout Utrecht's inner city. ZIMIHC provides organizational support while Kerken Kijken provides access to historic church venues.
• European Choral AssociationcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerZIMIHC is an active member of the European Choral Association. They co-organized Europa Cantat Festival in 2009 and Leading Voices festival in 2022. The association connects European choral music communities.
• Koornetwerk NederlandcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerZIMIHC is an active member of Koornetwerk Nederland, the Dutch choral network that supports and connects choir organizations across the Netherlands.
• MADUA UtrechtminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerStichting MADUA Utrecht organizes events for Indo/Dutch cultural heritage and is a regular co-organizing partner for cultural events at ZIMIHC venues.
• Oranje Comité OvervechtminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCommunity organization that co-organizes the August 15th commemoration event with ZIMIHC and other partners.
• Bevrijdingsfestival UtrechtminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner in organizing the August 15th commemoration event marking the capitulation of Japan.
• Gemeente UtrechtcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerMunicipal partner and supporter of ZIMIHC activities including A Lazy Sunday Afternoon festival and various cultural programs. Provides funding and institutional support.
• TivoliVredenburgcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerMajor concert venue in Utrecht hosting the Utrecht Blaast Binnen 2027 festival featuring 10 HaFaBra orchestras. ZIMIHC organizes the event at this venue.
• The Colour KitchenminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorCatering partner providing restaurant and catering services at ZIMIHC theater Zuilen.
• Leading VoicescoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerInternational choral music festival that ZIMIHC co-organized with the European Choral Association in 2022, inspired by Europa Cantat Festival 2009.

Scale indicators4 records

Recent moves5 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• De Parade: Traveling Dutch theater festival that presents a mix of professional and emerging performers across multiple cities during summer. Comparable to ZIMIHC in its Dutch national scope and its focus on providing accessible performance opportunities beyond traditional venue circuits.
• Podium Mozaïek: Amsterdam-based community arts platform that supports amateur and emerging artists through venue rental, programming, and community development — closely mirroring ZIMIHC's mission of providing affordable stage access for amateur performing arts, with a similar hybrid venue-plus-program model.
• Theater De Lieve Vrouw: Amersfoort-based community theater offering venue rental, programming, and amateur arts support. Operates with a comparable Dutch provincial-city model of accessible performance spaces for local choirs, bands, and theater groups, similar to ZIMIHC's Utrecht positioning.

Broad incumbents

• Het Nationale Theater: Larger Dutch national theater organization operating multiple venues in The Hague. Comparable to ZIMIHC as a multi-venue Dutch performing arts operator, but with a professional focus and significantly larger scale.
• TivoliVredenburg: Major Utrecht music venue hosting concerts across genres and serving as host for ZIMIHC-organized Utrecht Blaast Binnen 2027. Functions as both a strategic partner and a broader incumbent in the same Utrecht live-entertainment market.

Regional players

• Korzo: The Hague-based performing arts venue and production house for contemporary dance and theater. Comparable as a Dutch mid-sized arts venue combining rental, production, and programming functions, though focused on contemporary professional work rather than amateur arts.
• Stadsschouwburg Utrecht: Utrecht's municipal city theater focused on professional and semi-professional productions. Operates in the same city as ZIMIHC but targets a higher-end, professional segment, making it a same-geography adjacent player rather than a direct competitor for amateur arts bookings.
• Theater Kikker: Utrecht-based theater presenting contemporary performing arts. Operates in the same city as ZIMIHC but skews toward professional and youth programming rather than the amateur-arts community platform model.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Xtwitter.com/AppieAlferink1
• YouTubeyoutube.com/channel/UCZ1fJgE0D
• Facebookfacebook.com/sharer/sharer.php?u=https://www.zimihc.nl
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/zimihc

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

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 Stichting Zimihc