Hundreds of artists have converged on Amsterdam's Rijksmuseum to protest government budgets cuts to culture and the arts.

The centre-right government of Prime Minister Mark Rutte is planning to introduce budget cuts to the arts worth 200 million euros. "We are looking for shelter", a spokesperson for the disgruntled artists told visitors waiting outside Holland's main art museum.

With hundreds of artists inside the museum and many others queuing outside, the fire department barred more people from entering. "Some people may not be able to enter this art temple today, but perhaps in the near future no one will be able to enter at all", the spokesperson warned.

The artists say they are eager to enjoy all the art that is on offer at the Rijksmuseum while they can. Inside the museum several of them are giving lectures on its collection. A spokesperson for the Rijksmuseum says it sympathises with the artists. "The artists are not against the Rijksmuseum and the Rijksmuseum is not against the artists."
   
(cl/ae)

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