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Towards a new cultural system?

On June 12th, there was a debate on culture in the Tweede Kamer (the Dutch House of Representatives). The previously anticipated ‘outline letter’ regarding the extension of the cultural policy period was not addressed in the Council of Ministers. While the conversation in The Hague is now mainly revolves around extending the subsidy period, the comprehensive advisory report ‘Toegang tot cultuur’ (Access to Culture) by the Raad voor Cultuur (Council for Culture) is also on the table.

In the themed issue ‘Het spel en de regels’ (The Game and the Rules) of Theaterkrant Magazine (March 2025) many ideas, concerns, and perspectives from the performing arts sector are shared. These are being taken into account in the current discussions on what a future-proof cultural system might look like – and more importantly: how we can ensure that this vision is incorporated into coalition agreements, party platforms, and future policy agendas of both national politics (elections on October 29th) and local governments (elections in March 2026).

This gathering is intended as a joint exercise in reflection and a call to action. We will look back and forward. Moderator Lene Grooten, together with special guests, will lead the conversation with the audience. It will be a discussion that balances reflection, sharp analysis, and concrete action points.

Moderator: Lene Grooten

Panel members:
Ingrid van Engelshoven (adviser at Blueyard and former minister of Education, Culture and Science)
Winnie Sorgdrager (former politician, former president of the Council for Culture and author of the book “Oxygen of Society”)
and a senior staff member at the Council for Culture