The Netherlands’ theatres and concert halls now have more volunteers working in them than salaried staff, according to national statisitics office CBS on Thursday.

Ten years ago, theatres had twice as many paid employees as volunteers. In total, some 8,000 people now work in theatres and concert halls, while 9,000 people do voluntary jobs or work as interns.

At the same time, theatres and concert halls – there are some 300 nationwide – earned more money from performances, non-theatrical events and congresses. Their income is now up 8% on 2010 at around €434m last year, the CBS said.

In addition, they received €320m in subsidies, mainly from local councils. This is down 13% on four years ago.