What is it?

HUH why didn't I know this? is a book I wrote containing the things I would have 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.

Where can I order the book?

You can't order the book directly from me, except if you order at least 5 books. I make very little money off this whole operation, the administration and shipping just asks a lot of time, time I want to spend doing more interesting things.

The initial idea was to sell the books in bigger quantities to organisations and schools, who sit down with starting makers, so they could offer the book for free or at a reduced and kind price. This way, it's the organisations 'donating' to the project and the artists not paying too much for it. And less work for me. Win-win-win-win-win-win.

So if you just want one copy, check out the map: maybe an organisation that you're working with has copies? Or you can just go to Pianofabriek or one of the bookshops that's on here. I'm pretty sure rile* is the only one with a webshop right now, they only sell English copies.

Update 10 October 2026: we made 1200 NL (600+600) copies and 400 EN copies. I'm basically sold out now, just a couple of books left. I might do a third NL print if there's enough demand, so if you run an organisation and you're interested, drop me a line and I'll keep you up to date on when and how!! <3

The book 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. Every space on this map is free to do whatever they want with the books they bought. Schools will probably only provide their own students with the books.

Table of contents

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

Can I read an extract?

Two chapters were partly published (in Dutch) in Etcetera and Theaterkrant.

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.

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. Or you leave a stunning review on Goodreads.

Credits

AUTHOR Egon Schoelynck

EDITOR Karolien Derwael (Klein Verzet)

PRODUCTION detheatermaker

COPRODUCTION Beursschouwburg, wpZimmer, workspacebrussels, Arenberg

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

ISBN ENGLISH EDITION : 9789090415208
ISBN DUTCH EDITION : 9789090415192