Politics and art

Politics and art, sometimes they are intertwined sometimes they are not. For the organization of the Eurovision Song Contest, they are not intertwined. Although the event was created to create unity in Europe by connecting the countries through music. In itself a political statement. It is also just an example, but a good one, because no matter how the Song Contest organizers try, they just don't manage to escape politics. Just banning contestants from expressing political opinions is a political act.

But enough about the Song Contest, let's zoom in on the Netherlands. What will happen to the country in terms of art and culture under a cabinet with PVV, VVD, NSC and BBB, which seems to be coming anyway (the time of writing is May 22, 2024)? There is a very simple and short answer to that question: we don't know. In the Outline Agreement of the said parties, in fact, nothing is said about this except that of VAT.

VAT increase to 21 percent is an "assassin"

The indirect consequences of the proposed VAT increase for "cultural goods and services - excluding cinemas and day recreation" (as of 2026) have been listed by Kunsten '92, among others (see also page 12). The organization calls the VAT increase to 21 percent an "assassin." We hold on to our hearts.

There is more to worry about. For example, what could be the long-term consequences for the sector if we live with political representatives who have no place in their hearts and minds for art and culture? Who do not consider contemporary art important and, at best, refer art to an outside category. The appreciation there is for culture among the parties mentioned focuses on local culture, although the agreement does not talk about it that way. It does talk about cultural landscape, a word that appears twice in the Framework Agreement. It talks about cherishing our farmers, gardeners and fishermen, not only because they are important for our food supply, but also for the cultural landscape that is beautiful thanks to them. And that cultural landscape is, still according to the agreement, an inseparable part of Dutch culture. Just like fishermen, by the way, we read a little further on. Yes, the word culture also appears twice in the text.

Most likely just forgot to talk about art and culture in it

So we hold our hearts, but at the same time we know that art and culture are not disappearing. In the most difficult circumstances, people continue to have a need to express themselves through imagination in any form. But it will not be easy to continue to find appreciation for what is being made in a country run by a government that most likely simply forgot to mention art and culture in their Headline Agreement.