The Dutch constitution protects the freedom of speech and states that the central government is obliged to create adequate conditions for the cultural development of all citizens (see chapter 4.1.1). This is elaborated in the Cultural Policy Act (1993), which states that the Minister of Culture is responsible for preserving, developing and disseminating cultural expressions, to be elaborated by each Minister or State Secretary (see chapter 1.1). In line with these legal foundations is the ratification of the UNESCO Convention on the Protection and Promotion of the Diversity of Cultural Expressions (see chapter 1.4.2) and the Faro Convention on the Value of Cultural Heritage for Society (chapter 2.6).
In 2019, the Netherlands Institute for Social Research (SCP) published a study about the Dutch identity: Thinking of The Netherlands. In this study, the Dutch language is identified as a key carrier of national identity (see chapter 2.5.4 for policies concerning language). The study also describes how debates about culture, migration and religion have become part of broader identity discussions.
The current debate on identity is taking place in a society that includes people whose ancestors experienced colonialism and slavery from a different perspective than the dominant Dutch historical narrative. As part of ongoing processes of emancipation, there is a call for greater recognition of this history, and this perspective can raise important, though sometimes challenging, questions. Municipalities are increasingly engaging with public debates about statues and street names connected to the colonial past, as well as the annual celebration of Sinterklaas. Museums and the media are involved in similar debates. (See also chapter 3.1 for policies on The National Museum of Slavery and Repatriation of cultural heritage from a colonial context).
The Council for Culture has published the advice on the freedom of artistic expression (Maken (z)onder druk). In recent years, concerns have grown in the arts sector about the actual freedom artists have to create and present their work. While artistic freedom is legally protected, artists increasingly face practical barriers. Topics in youth performances, book readings and public events increasingly trigger unease or protest among audiences. Religious sensitivities and geopolitical tensions also cause programmers to reconsider certain works, sometimes raising safety concerns and leading to self-censorship. The Council states that freedom of expression is one of the central pillars of democracy.
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