Boost for Chinese-Dutch Cultural Exchange

Chinese project developer OCT enters into agreement with SICA to stimulate and finance cultural co-operation betwee n the Netherlands and China 

On 8 July 2011, SICA and the Chinese project developer OCT entered into a long-term co-operation agreement in Beijing to stimulate and finance cultural exchange between the Netherlands and China. Initially, the focus will be on visual arts and art in the public space. OCT is market leader in the field of Chinese cultural tourism and is one of the first and leading Chinese companies that supports contemporary art in China.

The first concrete activity that has been planned is the ‘Fake and Real’ exhibition by the Dutch artist Edwin Zwakman and the Chinese artist Liu Jianhua. State Secretary Halbe Zijlstra will open the exhibition in Shanghai on 3 September 2011.

OCT, in full Overseas Chinese Town Enterprises Co., was founded in 1985 and focuses on real estate, tourism, culture and electronics. OCT links urban development to sustainability, creativity and green surroundings. The company has various tourist theme parks and museums and has a special interest in Dutch culture. OCT worked together with Edwin Zwakman before during the World Expo in Shanghai and the Dutch Culture Centre (DCC) - initiated by SICA - in 2010. This formed the basis for further co-operation with SICA. Next year’s programme will also feature activities in the context of 40 years of diplomatic relations between the Netherlands and China in 2012. For more (English language) information about OCT go to: www.chinaoct.com

SICA Dutch Centre for International Cultural Activities is the supporting organisation for Dutch international cultural policy. SICA increases the power and impact of international cultural co-operation, with the purposes of reinforcing Dutch international relations and stimulating international cultural dialogue. In addition, SICA specifically operates as the link between the Dutch cultural field and Europe. With the Global Hotspots programme series, SICA focuses on cultural exchange with countries such as China. The activities will be scheduled around the Cultural Exchange digital platform, the Beijing Book Fair in the autumn of 2011 and the co-operation with OCT. For more information go to: www.culturalexchange-cn.nl and www.sica.nl