In two policy documents released earlier this year, the municipality of The Hague emphasizes the inestimable value of arts and culture to the city. Arts and culture are a driving force behind personal growth, social cohesion, and the quality of the living environment. By investing in cultural education at school, cultural activities during leisure time, and art in public spaces, The Hague is committed to making arts and culture accessible to everyone. Both documents are elaborations on the Cultural Vision for The Hague 2033: The Art of Meaning.
Alderwoman Saskia Bruines (Culture): “Art and culture touch who we are. They connect people, open up perspectives, and make The Hague a city where everyone has the space to develop. It’s about more than just having fun. It’s also about developing the skills needed to reach your full potential. As a municipality, we ensure that the foundation is solid and that we are a good, connecting partner for the many organizations in the city committed to strengthening arts and culture.”
Culture in education and leisure
The municipality is pursuing an approach that focuses on equal access to arts and culture, for toddlers, seniors, and everyone in between. Based on the belief that artistic development is essential for every child, cultural education will continue to be a permanent part of education, from preschool to vocational education (MBO). Focusing on creativity and expression contributes to cognitive development, self-confidence, curiosity, and critical thinking. At the same time, cultural participation in leisure time is being strengthened, allowing residents to discover and develop their creative skills and connect with each other outside of school and work. Particular attention is being paid to young people, who will have more opportunities to make their voices heard and develop their creative talents.
Collaboration at neighborhood level
To encourage the transition from cultural education at school to cultural participation in leisure time, the focus is on developing “cultural learning ecosystems.” These ecosystems involve collaboration at the neighborhood level between schools, parents, cultural institutions, welfare organizations, and neighborhood initiatives to ensure a coherent and recognizable cultural offering close to home. Together, they bear responsibility for the cultural development of children and young people. In this way, The Hague is fostering a cultural climate in which everyone can participate and develop their creative skills, regardless of age, background, or income.
In The Hague, many people involved in arts and culture are active in various organizations, from music groups to painting clubs, choirs, and writing collectives. These (amateur) artists are cherished in The Hague, and the municipality attaches great importance to ensuring they can continue to perform and raise their profile.
Accessible art in public spaces
Public art is also explicitly recognized as a public asset. The city now boasts over 600 artworks and memorials, visible in squares, parks, and neighborhoods. These works tell the city’s stories, contribute to a sense of pride and identity, and invite wonder and connection. In the coming years, the municipality will improve maintenance and management, provide more information about the objects, and establish clear agreements regarding ownership, placement, and relocation. Furthermore, there will be more space for new forms of art in the city, such as murals, temporary installations, and projects in which residents and artists can collaborate. The new Murals subsidy program encourages residents to actively contribute to the appearance of their neighborhood and provides an accessible way for people to experience art. The program opens this week.
With this course, The Hague confirms its belief that art and culture are not a luxury, but a necessity for a healthy, inclusive and vibrant society.
Text and image: Gemeente Den Haag
More information below (in Dutch)
View the Cultural Education and Cultural Participation memorandum 2025-2028 here .
View the implementation report Art in Public Space 2025 here .
View the subsidy scheme for murals here .