Art to the People

Kunst aan het Volk was intended to initiate 'art-loving members' of the people into the arts, something that was seen as an elitist affair. The art-loving members, i.e. the working class, were given the opportunity not only to experience and behold the arts, but also to understand them. This was done by giving lectures, organizing concerts, performances and exhibitions and giving advice to associations. In this way, Kunst aan het Volk wanted to breed 'better' people. These people would form society. The emergence of Kunst aan het Volk was therefore closely related to the rise of socialism at the end of the nineteenth century, which was due to industrialization. The Rotterdam association Voor de Kunst can be seen as a forerunner.