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 Tijana Stepanovic
Advisor - Central and Eastern Europe
t.stepanovic [at] dutchculture.nl

Cultural cooperation Hungary-Netherlands 2021-2024

Cultural cooperation Hungary-Netherlands 2021-2024

Looking back: a frequent exchange

The Dutch embassy in Budapest has a well-established position in the Hungarian cultural life thanks to its active work in the past decades. Given the status of Hungary as a focal country in the international cultural policy of the Netherlands before 2017, there was frequent collaboration between the Dutch and Hungarian cultural sectors, often resulting in long-term partnerships. Hungary stood out for being among the 15 most visited countries by Dutch artists and creatives in that period.

For the current policy period of 2021-2024, Hungary is once again a focal country, which means that collaboration with the Hungarian cultural sector will again be facilitated with professional support, financial resources, knowledge exchange and tailor-made advice.

Looking forward: European cooperation, human rights and sustainability

With the emergence of a multipolar world, European cohesion is becoming increasingly important. The inclusion of three new European countries (Hungary, Poland and Spain) into the policy framework reflects the aim to strengthen the idea of a common Europe and the wish to work together at a European level. In the current policy period of 2021-2024, the Dutch government continues to seek cooperation to promote social and cultural dialogue. The focus will be on three main goals: strengthening the position of the Dutch cultural sector in Hungary, supporting bilateral relationships and building sustainable cities and communities.

Within these goals, recurrent topics include European cooperation, human rights and sustainable practices. It remains a strong intention to work on a regional level with the other so-called Visegrad countries (Czech Republic, Poland, Slovakia) and to continue cooperating with local offices of various European institutions (European Parliament, European Commission, Council of Europe, EUNIC).

A strong position of the Dutch cultural sector in Hungary

In order to ensure a strong position for the Dutch cultural sector in Hungary, it is vital to cooperate with a wide range of Hungarian organisations. Therefore, the Dutch embassy will focus on its long-lasting cooperation with some of the leading state institutions, like the National Museum, Liszt Ferenc Academy of Music, Ludwig Museum of Contemporary Arts, Museum of Fine Arts, National Dance Theatre, Budapest Music Centre and Palace of Arts.

Furthermore, working with non-state organisations and festivals offers numerous opportunities for the Dutch cultural sector. The Centre for Contemporary Architecture, OFF Biennale, PLACCC, The Great Yonder at Bedepuszta and VERZIO International Human Rights Documentary Film Festival are some of the most active independent actors and partners of the Dutch embassy.

A selection from the highlights of 2023:

Europe Archive, Veszprém

exhibition of Erik Kessels/ Thomas Mailaender

22 June - 27 August at Dubniczay Palace/ House of Arts, Veszprém

(part of the program series of the Veszprém European Capital of Culture 2023)

 

Zsolnay Light Festival, Pécs

Netherlands as Guest Country of Honour

5-9 July at Zsolnay Cultural Quarter and various city-centre venues, Pécs

 

28th International Book Festival Budapest

Netherlands as Guest Country of Honour

28 September – 1 October at Millenáris Park

 

World Press Photo, Budapest

side event: Climate Stories exhibition

Oude Hoogstraat 24, Amsterdam 1987. Photo from the Hungarian photography archive Fortepan. Courtesy of Sándor Dávid.
Oude Hoogstraat 24, Amsterdam 1987. Photo from the Hungarian photography archive Fortepan. Courtesy of Sándor Dávid.
Sándor Dávid

Supporting bilateral relations

The centuries-old historical and cultural relations between Hungary and the Netherlands remain in focus. The 100th anniversary of diplomatic ties, the centenary of Children Trains and the strong ties within the Reformed Church will be celebrated. The embassy will build on the socio-cultural relations in the fields of visual arts and design (Vilmos Huszár, László Moholy-Nagy), photography (Ata Kandó, Éva Besnyő) and literature, and will aim to facilitate the exchange in many sectors, among them contemporary and classical music. This goal will be supported among others by DutchCulture's visitors programmes in a regional context.

Sustainable cities and communities

The Dutch government is committed to contributing to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through focusing on sustainable cities and communities (SDG 11). Promotion of the Dutch creative industry will be a priority within this context. There is a special focus on smart cities, circular economy, cycling culture and empowering citizens with the use of smart tools. If and where possible it is a wish to collaborate with the other Visegrad countries (Poland, Slovakia and the Czech Republic) with the aim to contribute to developing sustainable cities and communities in the CEE region.

Selection of cultural festivals in Hungary

Literature

Visual Arts  

Design  

Dance

Film

Music  

Classical Music

  • Beethoven Evenings, Martonvasar

Jazz  

Interdisciplinary Festivals

Information & advice

Would you like to receive more information regarding opportunities for cultural exchange with Hungary? Feel free to contact our Hungary advisor Tijana Stepanovic with your questions. She can inform you about the latest developments in the country, relevant contacts, stages and other cultural venues.

Further reading