An exhibition in the Atrium of The Hague’s City Hall brings together the experiences of 16 residents who have faced debt, homelessness, loss and other major challenges.
Veerkracht, meaning resilience, combines portraits and podcasts in which participants tell their own stories. It runs from 2 to 27 November 2026.
The municipality commissioned foundation Zona Luma to develop the exhibition. Its aim is to show the people behind social and financial difficulties, challenge shame and stigma, and remind residents facing problems that support is available.
Among the experiences shared are rebuilding life after homelessness, dealing with debts following bereavement and finding a way forward after financial problems as a self-employed person.
The exhibition offers an opportunity to listen to residents directly, rather than reducing their lives to a problem or a statistic. Visitors should check City Hall access and exhibition information before travelling.
The linked exhibition information is in Dutch; English-language interpretation of the portraits and podcasts has not been confirmed.
Applications have opened for the 2027 Global Market Entry Program, offering businesses in the Rotterdam-The Hague metropolitan region support as they prepare to enter international markets.
The nine-month programme is aimed at established start-ups and scale-ups that are ready to grow beyond the Netherlands. The next edition focuses on France, Germany and the United Kingdom.
Participants receive workshops, coaching and guidance from internationalisation specialists. Country experts help businesses explore potential customers and make contacts in their chosen market.
According to The Hague & Partners, previous participating Hague businesses include NAÏF, Seepje, Hop & Stork and Buro Brand. The programme combines preparation of an international strategy with access to local and international networks.
For entrepreneurs considering an application, the starting point is to assess whether the programme’s markets and stage of business development fit their plans. Places are limited.
A short documentary about Goldband’s DRAAGVLAK project is now available online, offering a view behind the floating dinner concert held on the Hofvijver in July.
The Hague band developed the work for the fifth Kunstparade Binnenhofrenovatie. Goldband performed with an ensemble from the Residentie Orkest for invited guests whose experiences reflected the feeling of not always being seen or heard by government.
Municipal and national government staff served a three-course meal. The project centred on meeting, listening and personal contact, while its unusual setting also raised questions about who could see, hear and take part.
Filmmaker Julia Sterre Schmitz followed preparations, rehearsals and the concert, working with Ton van Zantvoort and producer Newton Film. The documentary includes performances and contributions from guests about what the evening meant to them.
The municipality says Omroep West will also broadcast the film on 12 December from 17:00, repeated hourly until 17:00 the following day.
The project information is in Dutch. English subtitles for the documentary have not been confirmed.
An afternoon of live music, dancing and meeting new people: ABCDate’s annual Music Party returns to the Koorenhuis in The Hague on Saturday 21 November. This year’s event also celebrates ABCDate’s tenth anniversary.
The party welcomes adults with intellectual disabilities, together with their carers and support workers, for a relaxed afternoon of shared enjoyment and connection. Admission and the first drink are free.
The programme features live performances by the ABCDate Vriendenbands, singer Chicco and Menzo Kortland. Visitors can also join in with music bingo, sing karaoke or take to the dance floor.
For ten years, ABCDate has helped people with intellectual disabilities find friendship, love and social connections through its website, app and activities. The Music Party brings that community together in person, using music as a way to meet others and share an enjoyable afternoon.
Date: Saturday 21 November 2026 Time: 14:00–17:00 Location: Koorenhuis, Prinsegracht 27, 2512 EW The Hague Admission: Free, including the first drink Sensory information: There will be loud music and disco lights. Earplugs are available.
Discover independent cinema from around the world as the International Film Festival The Hague (IFFH) returns for its eighth edition at Pathé Buitenhof. From 13 to 15 November, the festival brings together 63 films from 23 countries, alongside director Q&As and four industry masterclasses.
Celebrating emerging talent and underrepresented voices, the programme spans drama, documentaries, horror and stories exploring social issues and human experiences. Highlights include BAAB, featuring music by two-time Oscar winner A. R. Rahman; Dear Lara, a documentary exposing abuse in classical music institutions; and the Australian documentary Invisible Injuries, exploring a war veteran’s experience of PTSD and recovery.
For anyone curious about filmmaking, masterclasses on 14 and 15 November explore storytelling, adapting work from stage to screen, cinematic symbolism and creative problem-solving in independent productions.
Powered by more than 30 international volunteers living in The Hague, IFFH offers an opportunity to discover new perspectives, meet filmmakers and connect with fellow film lovers.
