HUH why didn't I know this?

What is it?

HUH why didn't I know this? is a book I wrote containing the things I'd wanted to know when I started working as a performing artist in Belgium. How to apply for subventions, how taxes work, what a union can help you with, etc. I started writing it as a little document, but it became longer and longer and turned into this book. It's written in a rather personal tone, in an attempt to explain complex matter in an accessible way.

It is available in Nederlands and in English at several art spaces and cultural centres in Flanders and Brussels, at a democratic price or even for free.

0. INTRODUCTION
0.5 FIRST THINGS FIRST
1. HOW TO BECOME A SUCCESFUL ARTIST™
2. FINDING MONEY TO CREATE A PERFORMANCE
3. PROJECT SUBSIDIES FROM THE FLEMISH COMMUNITY
4. SELLING A SHOW
5. RESEARCH AND STUDYING
6. WORKING AS AN EMPLOYEE
7. WHO CAN REGISTER ME AS AN EMPLOYEE?
8. OTHER WAYS OF MAKING MONEY IN BELGIUM
9. UNEMPLOYMENT IN BELGIUM
10. BEING RICH OR POOR
11. ADULT THINGS LIKE INSURANCE
12. WHY SOMETIMES I WISH I DIDN'T KNOW THIS

Is the book only relevant for performing artists?

I think it’s highly relevant to choreographers, theatre producers, performance makers, set, lighting, and costume designers, as well as actors and dancers. And also for other people working in that sector: stage technicians, production managers, and aspiring administrators and financial directors of our cultural institutions. It’s less relevant for sculptors, painters, filmmakers and architects. Although it’s got some pretty useful stuff in there for everyone.

I don't live or work in Belgium, could I read it anyway?

You can read it, but because it's about Flemish subventions and Belgian labor laws, I don't think it's relevant if you don't live in Belgium. Except maybe for the first chapter, that reflects upon the notion of success and the shitty feelings of rejection. I'm pretty sure that's universal.

Where can I order the book?

You can't, actually. We printed a 1000 books and they have all been bought by some very nice organisations, who will act as distribution points. Show up at their place (e.g. KWP will just have them at their reception desk) or mail them with the question to have a book and a coffee. If at one point these spaces are out of stock, I will consider a reprint.

If you tried very hard, but just can't seem to get a hold of the book, drop me a line through email and I'll see what we can do! If you happen to be running an organisation or a school and want to order a bigger amount of books, email me as well!

I'm kind of struggling with this tax form, could you please help me?

Unfortunately, no. If you happen to run into me, feel free to ask me any question, I'm a very talkative person. But I'm also just a shabby artist trying to make my work and I have absolutely no ambition to become an alternative to Cultuurloket. Everything I know is written down in the book.

Hey I discovered a mistake in the book!

Feel free to let me know, I'll take it into account in case we consider a new edition. If you've just read it and you just want to share some thoughts, feel free to write me as well. I'd be glad to learn how you feel about it.

Credits

AUTHOR Egon Schoelynck

EDITOR Karolien Derwael (Klein Verzet)

PRODUCTION detheatermaker

COPRODUCTION wpZimmer, workspacebrussels, Beursschouwburg

FEEDBACK Barbara Revalk, Tobias Van Royen, Louai Hashem, Vincent Van den Bossche

GRAPHIC DESIGN Marie Sledsens, Sander Van de Vijver

ENGLISH TRANSLATION Miles Fischler

EDITING OF THE TRANSLATION Nefer Monteiro, Tom Gurn

WITH THANKS TO the Antwerp cultural centres and community spaces, BUDA, De Grote Post, C-Mine, fABULEUS, Good Company, Kunstenwerkplaats, LUCA School of Arts, Monty, het nieuwstedelijk, RADAR, Viernulvier