Home base for three cultural partners
The new pop podium, the Oefenbunker 2.0, will be the home base of Stichting Oefenbunker Live, Muziekschool Kerkrade Muziek & Dans (SMK), and dance school Wij zijn Slide. The building of approximately 3,000 m² provides space for concerts, rehearsals, lessons, workshops, social and societal functions, and cultural activities. This makes the pop podium an important addition to the existing facilities in Park Strijthagen. Meetings and collaborations between the users of the new pop podium and the other facilities at Park Strijthagen are encouraged.
Province: contribution to culture, talent development, and community
According to deputy Michael Theuns, the initiative aligns perfectly with the provincial goals from the Livability Approach: “I am glad that with this Livability Agreement we can contribute to the future of culture and talent development in Landgraaf. The pop podium connects generations and subcultures, offers young and old a creative and safe place, stimulates talent in music and dance, and strengthens the community as a whole. That is exactly what the Livability Approach is meant for.”
Municipality: more than a building
The municipality of Landgraaf also sees the project as more than just a new building. Alderman Freed Janssen emphasizes: “For Landgraaf, this new pop podium means much more than a building. It is a home for musicians, dancers, volunteers, and the audience. After the fire at the Oefenbunker, the need was high. Thanks to the support of the Province and the collaboration with our partners, we can now build a place that allows the creative energy of our city and region to flourish.”
Alderman Alex Schiffelers adds: “This pop podium will be a meeting place for everyone. It brings young and old together and contributes to the livability in our municipality. With music, dance, and culture as a unifying force, we are building further towards a strong and social Landgraaf.”