| Information & Inspiration: Impact of Cultural Diplomacy Information & inspiration: | Introduction | impact of cultural diplomacy Art and culture have the ability to inspire and transform publication highlights best practices that can serve as inspi- society. At a time of global challenges, this publication was rational tools for cultural diplomacy. These examples also created to examine the role of culture and its added value illustrate the connection between culture and other interna- for society. The focus is on how international cooperation tional policy goals. helps us contribute to a shift in thinking about the complex problems facing us in today’s society. The role of cultural Through its foreign and international cultural policy, the Dutch diplomacy and the value of culture are especially interesting government supports artists, cultural institutions and the subjects at a period when cultural legitimation is becoming creative industry, with a view to raising the Netherlands’ more deeply intertwined with societal challenges. profile abroad and boosting its cultural and creative sector. Quite often, art and culture can align with policy objectives: Throughout history, culture has had a crucial role in critical from strengthening the international legal order and respect thinking and the development of democratic ideals. Most for human rights, to sustainable development, food security, complex societal problems, such as the refugee crisis or water and climate, social progress, multilateral cooperation climate change, cannot be resolved by analytical disciplines and bilateral dimension. By supporting Dutch art and culture or management theories alone. We are moved to ask the abroad, Dutch embassies can further certain political goals. question: how does culture relate to these global challenges and serve as a basis for knowledge or social renewal? Part The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Education, of culture’s value is its ‘speculative power’: while it may not Culture and Science are jointly responsible for the inter- provide a direct solution to a problem or challenge, it can national cultural policy. Together they support DutchCulture, offer new perspectives on issues that may not otherwise the network and knowledge organization for international be considered. Various cultural disciplines, such as design, cultural collaboration. DutchCulture facilitates, encourages architecture, theatre and music, can generate creative solu- and supports collaboration between artists and art institu- tions through various forms of participation and social en- tions worldwide – in cooperation with organisations, diplo- gagement. Art and culture also give people the opportunity matic missions, government agencies and artists themselves to discuss issues on an equal footing. With that in mind, this – by providing individual advice and tailored guidance. Information & inspiration: | Introduction | impact of cultural diplomacy This publication, which is a co-production of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and DutchCulture, offers inspiring examples and provides information about both Dutch and international worldwide organisations, whose work has been so valuable in recent years. Needless to say, this is just a small part of the story. We do not see this publication as a finished product; rather, it is designed to grow with its readers. You are welcome to send your suggestions about projects or specific information you think should be included. In conclusion, artists and others in the cultural sector can have a major impact on the world by finding and organising cultural activities that help address or discuss societal challenges. They are increasingly working in trans- disciplinary collectives, which span borders and nations. The embassies’ diplomatic work plays an essential role in this connection, as a transitional force between the world of art and culture and the global political system. These best practices show how much has been accomplished and, at the same time, how much can still be achieved. The question is how cultural diplomacy can function as a bridge between the world of policy and the world of culture, and how it can contribute to fair international cooperation. | Table of Contents The Homogeneous Budget for International Cooperation (HGIS), which is managed by the | 9 Policy | Ministry of Foreign Affairs, comprises the joint expenditure of various Dutch ministries on foreign policy. HGIS is an important instrument which Goals promotes international cooperation and integrates the international policy goals of the various Dutch ministries involved. It is focused on the following policy themes. by HGIS Strengthening the inter- Consular services and Social progress: national legal order and promoting Dutch values and Enabling people to develop their abilities; respect for human rights: interests internationally: promoting social and inclusive development in Promoting a well-functioning international Issuing travel documents to Dutch nationals the interests of a sustainable and just world; such legal order, including ongoing efforts in the abroad and providing them with consular assis- as promoting sexual and reproductive health and area of human rights, is an integral part of tance, and aiming to promote the Netherlands’ rights and working to achieve equal rights oppor- Dutch foreign policy. international profile through art, culture and sport, tunities for women. thereby also establishing a good international market position for the creative industry. Peace, security, Strengthening stability and migration: development frameworks: Promoting Dutch and international security and Sustainable economic development, trade Strengthening frameworks for development stability by means of targeted bilateral and multi- and investment: and inclusive growth by cre ting a more social- lateral cooperation, promoting democratic transi- ly-minded and opportunity-rich society through Stay alert and pay attention to local highlights and tion in priority areas, especially in the arc around the promotion of social engagement through use them and their publicity. Europe and responding to large-scale disasters, culture and sport. including making provisions for the reception of refugees in their own regions. Sustainable development, food security, water Multilateral cooperation and clim ate: and the bilateral Effective Improving food security, water management, dim ension: European cooperation: drinking water and sanitation, promoting sustain- Promoting regional partnerships through Effective European cooperation to ensure able use of natural resources, combating global multilateral and bilateral cooperation with the most peaceful, most prosperous and stron- warming and increasing people’s ability to cope international (development) organisations on gest future for the European Union and with the unavoidable effects of climate change. development challenges. its member states. Strengthening the International legal | order and respect | Havana for human rights Dutch Film Week at Multicine Infanta The Dutch embassy in Havana organised a Dutch film week, screening a selection of the best contemporary Dutch cinematic offerings. The Cuban people had the opportunity to view the seven selected films at the Multicine Infanta; one of the leading cinemas in Havana. Among the remarkable movies screened was Bram Fischer by Jean van de Velde, which addressed the subject of apartheid through the story of a renowned South African lawyer who is secretly affiliated with the resistance movement. Other movies included Riphagen by Pieter Kuijpers, Tonio by Paula van der Oest and Strike a Pose by Ester Gould and Reijer Zwaan. For this seventh edition of the Film Week, the selection committee focused on movies that dealt with human rights and LGBTQIA+ rights in particular. Thanks to good marketing, including spots on Cuban television, and the quality of the films on offer, Dutch Film Week had a high turnout. (2017) Credit: Photo courtesy via the embassy of the Netherlands in Havana Strengthening the International legal | order and respect | Bratislava for human rights One World Documentary Film Festival The One World Documentary Film Festival is an annual event focusing on human rights and global issues, with the aim of supporting an active learning process and encouraging the audience, especially young people, to share social responsi- bility for these issues. The festival had a special virtual guest: Dutch MEP Sophie in ’t Veld, Chair of the Rule of Law working group. Though unable to attend in person, Ms in ’t Veld recorded a video message that was shown before two screenings. The 19th edition of the Festival, which is spon- sored in part by the NGO People in Need Slovakia, was held in Bratislava and Košice. Dutch filmmakers had a strong presence at In three acts the film portrays three facets of the the festival, with seven Dutch (co-)productions in European attitude towards the refugee crisis: the programme, including Guido Hendrikx’s doc- dismissiveness, empathy and goodwill. In its umentary Stranger in Paradise, which addresses final act, it examines the actual complicated complex issues surrounding refugees and the immigration policy system itself. (2018) asylum system. Credits: Mykola Kovalenko Respect APP Agency Strengthening the International legal | order and respect | Tehra n for human rights Guilty Landscapes by Dries Verhoeven at Fajr Festival The live video installation Guilty Landscapes, produced by the Dries Verhoeven Studio, was screened