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Looking back: finding a balance
China’s growing role as an international springboard and the explosive growth of a (young) middle-class interested in art and culture have stimulated the Dutch cultural sector to be increasingly active in China, with the government’s support and guidance. Evolving from the intensive Dutch cultural focus in China around the Beijing Olympics (2008) and Shanghai World Expo (2010), cultural cooperation between the two countries has gained both breadth and depth over the past decade.
For example, the Sino-Dutch museum management training programme (2015-2018) accumulated abundant experience and an extensive network for upcoming museum collaborations. The yearly Dutch contribution to the Beijing Design Week set a solid foundation for exchange in creative industries. The long-term partnership between DutchCulture and the state-owned Oversea Chinese Town (OCT) group induced a series of Dutch exhibition projects in south China. Collaboration is key China-wide, and even across its borders. The Dutch embassy in Beijing also teamed up with the embassies in Tokyo and Seoul to stimulate cultural dialogues between the Netherlands and the entire East Asia region.
All the successful results notwithstanding, there are of course remarkable differences at work in the cultural exchanges between the Netherlands and China. In general, China takes the view that culture and art should promote socialist core values. The subtly benchmarked scrutiny and censorship by the local authorities might create obstacles for Dutch as well as other European cultural events in China. Sometimes collaborating with private or semi-independent parties is a feasible choice to achieve the desired results. The opportunities for cooperation can also be hampered by the high cost of intercontinental travel and transport, visa restrictions, as well as by the relative unfamiliarity of Dutch cultural players in China.
Looking forward: opening up to differences*
In its international cultural policy framework 2021-2024, the Netherlands will continue to cooperate actively with China with an open eye to the differences, which is also in accordance with the policy document The Netherlands and China: a new balance (2019). It is constructive and critical to collaborate, exchange information and seek coordination with/between Dutch and Chinese makers, knowledge institutes, cultural organisations and local authorities. At the same time, it is also crucial to recognise the differences, in order to seek a new reciprocal balance in cooperation.
The main goal of the new international cultural policy (2021-2024) towards China is to promote a strong position for the Dutch cultural and creative sectors in China through presentation, exchange and sustainable cooperation. Results are most promising when supply and demand converge. The Dutch diplomatic network in China (the embassy in Beijing and four consulate generals in Shanghai, Guangzhou, Chongqing and Hong Kong) aims to proactively strengthen cultural domains that are highly developed in the Netherlands, and at the same time have great potential in (different regions of) China.
The prominent (market) opportunities to make the Netherlands visible through cultural presentations lie in tours for orchestras and music ensembles, winning pitches or assignments by Dutch architectural firms, Dutch design showcasing and the online presentations of Dutch arts and heritage, for instance through the Netherlands Cultural Institute Online (NCIO), launched by the Dutch embassy in Beijing. However, sensitivity and flexibility in working with a different culture are unavoidable. There is also an increasing number of artist-in-residency programmes across China with a professional set-up, staff and facilities. However, the longest duration for a single entry visa is for three months.
Collaboration in the museum sector (for exhibitions) is promising thanks to the strong demand from the growing number of art museums all over China, although the high costs, customs regulations or the effort required to obtain the necessary permit from local cultural bureaus could pose challenges. The same applies for children’s theatre and modern dance performance, unless represented by well-established Chinese or international agents. On the other hand, pop music, jazz and Dutch DJ concerts are thriving in the commercially run market.
The international cultural policy also aims to contribute to Dutch-Chinese bilateral relationships and dialogue in other fields, for instance science, education, agriculture, innovation, human rights and sustainability (referring to the United Nation Sustainable Development Goals).
To achieve the goals, the Dutch diplomatic mission in China and all other stakeholders in the Netherlands adopt the following tools to support the Dutch cultural and creative sector.
Cultural agenda highlights (update Aug 2022)
The Netherlands Guest Country programme at Business of Design Week, Hong Kong 2023
Information & advice
Would you like to receive more information regarding opportunities for cultural exchange with China? Feel free to contact our China advisor Ian Yang with your questions. He can inform you about the latest developments in the country, relevant contacts and other cultural venues.
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