Current situation Russia

In a short period of time, relations with Russia have become more complicated almost all across the line. The basic principle of the course that the Dutch government is currently following in its relations with Russia is that while it is true that the country has changed, it certainly is no less important for the Netherlands.

In these changed relations, the Netherlands continues to value cultural exchange and collaboration with Russia, especially when this occurs at the initiative of people from the middle class.

The Netherlands emphasizes the importance of people-to-people contact and wants to intensify the dialogue with the Russian people where possible, particularly with the younger generation.

New perspectives for cultural collaboration with Russia
Russia is one of the countries in DutchCulture’s New Cultural Horizons programme. Launched in 2015, this programme explores new perspectives and forms of collaboration with a number of countries and regions, including Russia.

The idea behind New Cultural Horizons is to help establish a lasting collaboration between the Dutch cultural sector and the independent cultural world in Russia. The focus here is on the exchange of knowledge and small-scale projects. The programme identifies and opens up alternative/independent networks for cultural dialogue with the Russian creative sector. By conducting research on independent cultural networks, maintaining a visitors’ programme and a series of lectures, we contribute to the expansion and enhancement of cultural cooperation between the Netherlands and Russia.

Seeking new connections
As part of the New Cultural Horizons programme, we are presently undertaking a survey of independent cultural institutions and producers in Russia. The survey focuses on a new and barely charted part of the Russian cultural world. We are also looking at possibilities for making connections with the Dutch cultural field. In early 2016, we will be presenting the first findings of this survey.

For more information on current Dutch government policy and its influence on cultural collaboration with Russia, you can contact Ruben Eijkelenberg, DutchCulture’s Russia Advisor.