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As freedom of expression is one of the main pillars of the Dutch cultural field and society, artistic freedom is secured and not an issue in the Netherlands. However, economic and social problems regarding labour within the cultural field do exist. To strengthen the position of both artists and professionals – a position that deteriorated due to previous government cuts and labour market changes – former Minister of Education, Culture and Science Jet Bussemaker invested EUR 400 000 in the cultural and creative sector in 2016. In response to a report by the Council for Culture and the Social and... read more →

The Dutch constitution protects the freedom of speech and states that the central government is obliged to create adequate conditions for the cultural development of all citizens (see chapter 4.1.1). In the coalition agreement for 2017-2021 (Confidence in the Future), the current Dutch government stresses the importance of accessibility to the arts and culture: “[…] not just for those living in major cities, but throughout the country.” This widespread accessibility should be stimulated by an improved coordination between authorities on the national, provincial and local level. The Cultural Policy Act (1993) states that the Minister of Culture is responsible for... read more →

Societal features In 2013, the social-democratic Minister of Culture, Jet Bussemaker, presented Culture moves: the meaning of culture in a changing society (Cultuur beweegt; de betekenis van cultuur in een veranderende samenleving), the policy memorandum for the period 2013-2016 in which she reveals her ideas on culture in an evolving world. The priority areas for the period 2013-2016 are: cultural education, talent development, creative industries, digitalisation and social dialogue. The Minister stresses the importance of arts and culture for society and their added value for society and the economy. Essential to the recent cultural policy approach is a balance between... read more →

Organisational Organigram The Netherlands

In the Netherlands, public governance is organised as a three-tier system consisting of a central, provincial and municipal government. In each tier, the parliament, provincial councils or local councils have the right to amend the financial and governmental recommendations of the cabinet, provincial deputies, mayors and aldermen. All three tiers pursue their own cultural policy with their own funding and advisory streams. Collaboratively, they attempt to create an effective cultural environment throughout the country. The central government has the task of creating conditions in which the other levels of government and the cultural organisations can function best. The cultural policy... read more →

Objectives Dutch cultural policy is based on the premise that the state should distance itself from judgements regarding the value of art. Artistic development has therefore largely been the result of the initiatives of private citizens and a large number of foundations dedicated to culture. Over the years, the government has gradually assumed the role of a moderator of cultural activities, apart from being the largest patron of public art and culture. By law, the Minister of Education, Culture and Science is responsible for creating conditions conducive to maintaining, developing and disseminating (both socially and geographically) cultural expression. Dutch cultural... read more →