Podcast:
The fun in Funding #1: Rotterdam
Building Community through USE-IT Maps: A Journey in Rotterdam
Welcome to “The Fun in Funding,” a podcast produced within the Erasmus Plus project.
In this episode of “The Fun in Funding,” we discuss the exciting journey of creating the USE-IT Rotterdam map with Pascale Sebus, a PhD student and dedicated member of the project team.
Listen to the full episode on Spotify, or if you prefer reading, find the content summarized below!
There are many USE-IT initiatives currently originating from the Netherlands. Pascale, do you think there’s something specific in the Dutch culture that explains this trend?
Well, maybe not in DNA, but perhaps in the water!
Welcome to “The Fun in Funding,” a podcast made within the Erasmus Plus project. Today, we’re joined by Pascale from Rotterdam. Can you introduce yourself?
My name is Pascale, and I’m a PhD student at the University of Antwerp. In addition to my studies, I’ve been working on the USE-IT Rotterdam map for about two years now. We are currently preparing a full project proposal to submit to the municipality, marking our first significant funding effort in the history of USE-IT Rotterdam.
That’s exciting! How has your USE-IT journey been so far? How did you first get involved?
I first learned about USE-IT back in 2015 while working in Kent and Leeuwarden. It stuck with me over the years, especially as my interest in tourism developed. I realized that while I was engaged in place-making and marketing in Rotterdam, there was no USE-IT map for the city. This realization sparked the idea for the Rotterdam map, which I believed was essential for our city. After the COVID-19 pandemic subsided, I decided it was time to bring this idea to life.
It sounds like you have a team working with you. Can you tell us about that?
Yes, I’m thrilled with the team we’ve assembled. I met Isa, who has a strong marketing background, during my work with the place marketing agency. She’s been crucial in creating compelling proposals. We also have Dietschle, who previously worked on the USE-IT Bologna map, and more recently, Stefanie joined us. Together, we are currently focused on our project proposal.
The idea for the map has been around for a while. What finally motivated you to take action?
It was a bit contradictory for me. In 2021, after my first year of COVID, I moved from Rotterdam to Antwerp for my job. I felt disconnected from Rotterdam and wanted to do something that would help me reconnect with the city I love. With the limited activities available during that time, I thought, “Why not work on this map?”
For those who have never visited Rotterdam, what makes it such a unique city?
Rotterdam is incredibly diverse, with many neighborhoods, each having its own distinct identity. You can experience entirely different atmospheres just by walking a few minutes. Additionally, Rotterdam has a dynamic urban landscape—it’s a city known for its modern architecture, having been rebuilt after World War II. It’s not your typical Dutch city; it has a unique, experimental character.
Finding funding for such projects can be challenging. How has your experience been in securing funds?
Our funding journey started about two years ago. Initially, we discovered a local fund from entrepreneurs that offered around a thousand euros for appealing city initiatives. We pitched our idea and secured that grant, which was a fantastic start for our team spirit. However, securing long-term funding has proven more challenging, especially with cultural subsidy cuts in Rotterdam. Fortunately, the municipality is now reopening some funding opportunities.
Can you elaborate on the current funding application process you are engaged in?
The municipality opens up a significant fund each year—about 2 million euros—for various projects aimed at serving the city. This funding is not limited to culture or tourism, which makes it broad and competitive. We submitted our idea to see if we fit within the program, and if selected, we receive guidance from advisors with expertise in different sectors relevant to our project.
It sounds like there’s a lot of competition. What’s the key to making your application stand out?
The process can be quite competitive, with around 200 applicants each year. The municipality provides feedback on our ideas, which is invaluable for fine-tuning our proposals. It’s important to align our project with their goals and demonstrate how it serves the city’s interests.
You mentioned the importance of connections and networking. Can you speak to that?
Absolutely! Engaging with this program has helped us expand our network beyond just the municipality. The advisors we connect with can introduce us to others in various departments and even local universities, creating opportunities for collaboration and student involvement in our project.
Given your experience, do you feel you’ve exhausted all funding options, or do you still see opportunities ahead?
I believe this is just the beginning for us. We are discovering more funding opportunities as we progress. However, we need to be strategic about our applications since we can only receive one municipal grant at a time. This careful approach is essential to maximize our chances of securing funds.
If you could offer advice to someone just starting out in this funding landscape, what would it be?
I think it’s vital to have a solid understanding of the network and to gather data that supports your application. Breaking down the funding process into manageable steps can also make it less daunting. When I started, the idea of applying for funding felt overwhelming, but with the right resources and support, it can become a more straightforward task.
Thank you, Pascale, for sharing your insights today. Your journey with the USE-IT Rotterdam map is inspiring, and we look forward to seeing how it develops!
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