UTRECHT, 27/08/09 - Subsidised local festivities to promote the integration of immigrants attract very few immigrants. A study by sociologist Ruben Bino reveals that in Utrecht, immigrants were underrepresented at 95 percent of the festivities.

Bino researched how over 300 local street parties organised by residents in 2008 with subsidies totalling 200,000 euros from Utrecht municipality's 'liveability fund' affected a neighbourhood. This fund is for resident's initiatives aimed at improving integration and social cohesion within the neighbourhood.

The requests for subsidy came almost exclusively from white residents, usually highly educated. Considering the population composition of the neighbourhood, immigrants were under-represented at 95 percent of these street parties.

Most of the parties were organised in districts with few immigrants. But in areas where the majority are immigrants, such as Overvecht and Kanaleneiland, the street parties were also predominantly a 'white' phenomenon.

Bino concludes that the objective to bring various population groups in the city closer together is not being reached. Utrecht municipality disagrees. According to a spokesperson, 89 percent of the organisers observe improved contact between local residents a week after a party.