Instruments for
Refugees

The wars currently raging are creating thousands of refugees, including those fleeing to the Netherlands. Among these refugees are professional musicians and music students. They often had to leave their instruments behind. The refugee musicians are displaced, stressed, and traumatized. By providing them with a suitable instrument, we give them an incredibly important source of stability.

Collecting Instruments

Since 2022, The Netherlands Musical Instrument Foundation has been collecting instruments for refugees who need them. This is a special and necessary project that goes beyond our usual activities. We pass on the instruments – lovingly donated by private individuals – so that refugee musicians in the Netherlands can resume their musical lives.

‘Their hobby of music can help

them process their experiences.

Their lives regain

a sense of purpose’

— Ben Cartens, Project Manager

Offer an instrument

Do you have an instrument that you’d like to donate to a refugee who plays music? If so, we’d love to hear from you. We receive many instrument donations, for which we are, of course, extremely grateful. As a result, you may have to wait a while for a detailed response from us. It may also take some time to find the perfect match with a refugee.

Offer an instrument

What happens next?

When an instrument seems like a good fit, our intermediary, Ben Cartens, facilitates contact between the donor and the musician. He oversees the matching process and often delivers the instrument in person. The donation then takes place directly between the donor and the recipient, ensuring that every instrument ends up in the right place.

Provide financial support

It’s fantastic that you want to contribute financially to this project! Your donation helps us tremendously with organization, logistics, restoration work, and all kinds of expenses. Click the button below to go to the special donation page. We will then allocate your entire donation to the Refugee Project. Thank you very much!

Donate Now

Help us reach the refugees

We’d love to hear from you if you have any tips on how to get in touch with refugee musicians. Perhaps you know of organizations that help refugees get settled? The registration of refugees is handled locally. In that process, the first question isn’t whether there’s a need for a musical instrument. A roof over their heads, food, access to medical care, education for the children, and the chance to quietly get their bearings in their new surroundings – to find peace and a sense of normalcy after a chaotic flight; these are the top priorities.

That's why we don't always reach musicians right away, and they may not be aware of the campaign. Please send your tip to Ben Cartens: cartens@muziekinstrumentenfonds.nl.