In the 2018 cultural policy letter Culture in an open society, the theme of diversity is highlighted by the following objectives, which the Ministry deems important for all tiers of government:
- “Creative and artistic talents are given chances and opportunities to flourish.
- Everyone, regardless of age, cultural background, income and place of residence, should have access to culture.
- The range of culture on offer should be pluriform, with established forms cherished and new forms embraced.
- Culture needs to be a safe haven within which to reflect on society and its citizens, and to criticise them.”
On the local level, programmes are developed to enhance the accessibility of culture for vulnerable groups in society. For example, the Stedelijk Museum Amsterdam and the Van Abbemuseum offer guided tours for citizens with dementia or Alzheimer’s and their caregivers. Twelve museums in the Netherlands are currently involved in this programme. The VU medical centre mentioned the positive influence of the programme on the acceptance of dementia in society. Another example is an non-irritable exhibition tour for people with autism organised by the National Maritime Museum (Nationaal Scheepsvaartmuseum).
An example of a public initiative is the Music at Bed Foundation(Stichting Muziek aan Bed), which is initiated by two cellists who perform at 25 hospitals and healthcare institutions. They believe in the positive impact of music on a person’s well-being. The theatre company Power of Experience (Kracht van Beleving)is specialised in performances with topics regarding disabilities, chronic- and mental illnesses. The company organises talk sessions after each performance to create consciousness and to support the people that have these illnesses.
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