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The artistic vision of The Hague 2018
On the 7th of March 2011 Aus Greidanus, artistic leader of The Hague 2018, presented his artistic vision for 2018. At the heart of the vision is The Hague's wish to give art and culture a prominent and permanent place in society. Over the coming years it will be highlighting art and culture, will focus on developing creativity, and will involve the city's inhabitants in that process. This will have priority in the years leading up to 2018 and beyond.
The title of the vision is 'City without walls', referring to the fact that The Hague has never built city walls. Because of this The Hague has always been an open and neutral city: the city had no city rights, nor the constraining perimeters of a town wall. The Hague became a haven for artists, politicians and leading thinkers. Here, their visions and ideas on fine arts and fashion, music and dance, literature and philosophy could mature.
Watch the videoreport Thexpat.tv made during the presentation. You can also download the artistic vision 
General information about Den Haag 2018 and about the European Capital of Culture
This section contains the following subjects:
What does the title ‘European Capital of Culture‘ entail?
When will it be announced which Dutch city is the 2018 European Capital of Culture?
What are the conditions and criteria?
What does The Hague aim to achieve?
How will it benefit the inhabitants of The Hague?
The Hague and the region
Board of Den Haag 2018
How can you participate and remain informed?
What does the title ‘European Capital of Culture’ entail?
Every year, two European countries may supply a Capital of Culture. These cities organise a year-long programme of cultural events that are of interest to all inhabitants of Europe. The title ‘Capital of Culture’ was created in 1985 by the Commission of the European Union, with the aim of bringing Europeans closer together.
The chief objective has remained the same throughout the years: the Capital of Culture highlights the richness, the diversity and the common aspects of European cultures, promoting mutual understanding among Europeans and fostering a sense of belonging to the same ‘European’ community.
The Netherlands has supplied a Capital of Culture twice so far: Amsterdam in 1987 and Rotterdam in 2001. In 2018 it again falls to the Netherlands to designate a Capital of Culture, along with Malta.
When will it be announced which Dutch city is the 2018 European Capital of Culture?
In 2013, a jury consisting of Dutch and international experts will decide which Dutch city may carry the title of European Capital of Culture in 2018. The Hague, Utrecht, Maastricht, the joint proposal of Brabant City (Breda, Eindhoven, Helmond, ‘s-Hertogenbosch, Tilburg and surrounding areas), Almere and Friesland are competing for the honour. As part of this competition, each city compiles a bid book that describes why the city is a suitable candidate. The bid book should also include a draft programme for the year 2018 that meets the criteria set by the EU (see: Conditions and criteria). The jury will base its final decision on the content of the bid books, which need to be finished by October 2012.
What are the conditions and criteria?
European dimension
The candidate cities are expected to devote a large part of the programme to collaborative projects with culture makers from other European countries. The programme should also highlight the richness and cultural diversity of Europe, as well as bear out the common aspects of European culture.
Participation by inhabitants
Aside from the European dimension, participation by inhabitants is another important criterion. Inhabitants should be encouraged to participate in the cultural programme and should feel that they are part of it. The programme should not only appeal to the interest of local residents, but also to that of other European citizens. To sustain this effect over the long term, the cultural offer should be durable and a part of the city’s cultural and social development.
What does The Hague aim to achieve?
By being designated Capital of Culture, the Municipality of The Hague aims to give a powerful impetus to the city’s cultural aspirations. The municipality furthermore expects the designation to achieve the following effects: a strengthening of the cultural infrastructure; a greater cultural participation by The Hague’s population; a stronger name recognition and consolidation of the city’s international profile; improved collaboration on both the European and regional levels; a boost to (cultural) tourism; an enhancement of the business climate; more conferences (also after 2018) and an invigoration of the city’s sense of pride. Download the artistic vision for 2018 .
How will it benefit the inhabitants of The Hague?
The designation as Capital of Culture will strengthen the cultural sector and expand the cultural offer. The Hague citizens will be involved more closely with cultural activities. Additionally, Capitals of Culture may count on higher tourist numbers, delivering an economic impetus for the entire city. It generates income for the small and medium-sized businesses, the catering and events industry, and the cultural sector. Many young culture makers will also benefit from the activities organised by the Capital of Culture. And last but not least, the programme of a Capital of Culture entails various projects that will benefit public space.
The Hague and the region
The Hague’s Municipal Council of Mayor and Aldermen supports the city’s nomination, with Marjolein de Jong (for Culture, City Centre and International Affairs) as the responsible alderman. Also, a covenant has been signed by the municipalities of Delft, Leiden, Leidschendam-Voorburg, Midden-Delfland, Pijnacker-Nootdorp, Rijswijk, Voorschoten, Wassenaar, Westland, Zoetermeer and Rotterdam, pledging their cooperation with The Hague.
The Foundation Den Haag 2018
The Foundation Den Haag 2018 has been mandated by the Municipal Council to compile the bid book for the city of The Hague. Headed by artistic director Aus Greidanus (of theatergroup De Appel) and Anastasia Chiarella (business leader), the foundation will work with the Hague’s cultural sector, the city’s inhabitants and the city’s entrepreneurs to create a programme for 2018. Den Haag 2018 will also be organising cultural activities in the run-up to 2018.
Much has already been undertaken since the decision in 2008 to nominate The Hague for the title of Capital of Culture. In the run-up to 2018, a series of symposiums was launched in 2008 concerning The Hague’s nomination, with a special focus on the internationalisation of culture. These gatherings are organised directly by the cultural sector.
Under the direction of atelier master Wim van Krimpen, a preliminary study into The Hague´s nomination was conducted and presented under the motto ‘Recht op cultuur!’ (‘A right to culture!’, available in Dutch only).
Board of Den Haag 2018
The board of Den Haag 2018 consists of:
Winnie Sorgdrager (Council of State)
Louise Engering-Aarts (former alderman for culture)
Maya Meijer (art historian and director of Den Haag Sculptuur)
Joop van Oosten (CEO at BAM)
Ashok Bhalotra (architect and urban planner)
Frans van Steenis (director of Nederlandse Staatsloterij)
Thijs Römer (actor)
How can you participate and remain informed?
To remain informed of all developments concerning Den Haag Culturele Hoofdstad, you can register to receive our newsletter. The latest news can also be followed on Twitter, Facebook and you can join the discussions and brainstorms through our discussion group on LinkedIn.
