Info
The arts, like journalism, science, and the judiciary, form an essential pillar of the democratic state. This position is under pressure from external developments, but also raises questions within the sector itself. What does artistic freedom mean in a time of political tension, economic dependencies, and censorship?
In this session, we explore the increasing pressure on the freedom of the arts and the role the cultural sector itself can play in protecting and shaping it. How do we reclaim and safeguard this role? How do we reshape it in practice? And to what extent is the importance of this position actually broadly supported within the sector?
Following a brief introduction and an overview of concepts and current developments via a short conversation with Renske van der Zee (Council for Culture), the first panel discussion will focus on the relationship between art and government. Joined by guests including Fanni Nánay (Artopolis, HU), Jelle Burggraaff (DutchCulture, Creative Europe Desk NL), and Thomas Lamers (board member politcal party GroenLinks Amsterdam and dramaturg, NL), we will address questions concerning direct and indirect forms of influence, the role of (local and international) funding, and the tension between cultural autonomy and policy frameworks.
In the second panel, the focus shifts to the relationship between art and society. Alongside speakers such as Kees Lesuis (former artistic director of Oerol and independent artist, NL) and Merel Vercoutere (artistic director of Dansand/KAAP, BE), we will ask ourselves: how do makers and institutions navigate public pressure, societal expectations, and the increasingly visible responses to artistic work? And how do cultural institutions position themselves in a society where neutrality is more and more up for debate?
In between the panels, we will open up the floor to discuss the dilemmas and future visions surrounding the position of artists and cultural institutions within a resilient democratic society.
This session will be held in English. We use a bring-your-own-language approach: feel free to speak in Dutch or another language — as long as someone in the room can translate into English, you are good to go.
To participate, you need a (free) entry ticket. You can only obtain a ticket if you are logged in as an Oerol Professional. For access, you need both your Oerol Professionals or ‘Wij Maken Oerol’ festival wristband and your ticket.
Afterward, you are cordially invited to join us for a communal lunch to continue the conversation. No ticket reservation is required; the lunch costs €7.50 and can be paid for at the MIWB on the day itself. The lunch is vegetarian as standard. Do you have other dietary requirements or allergies? Please email professionals@oerol.nl at least one week in advance.
Not yet accredited? Apply here. Questions or issues? Email professionals@oerol.nl.