Turmoil and progress
The world of the visual arts is in turmoil. Museum directors are indulging in their position for personal gain and in so doing are putting the art world, which already has to prove itself against the odds, in a worse light. This is grist to the mill of art cynics, who can also be discovered in the Lower House without too much trouble. Our new Minister of Foreign Affairs, for example, who at one time was responsible for culture, openly let it be known that he did not care much for art and culture.
Another art cynic from the Lower House speaks of the art cartel to be broken in a text published on his party website. On the occasion of the exhibition opened in Paris Présence de la peinture en France (1974-2016), where, according to the writer of the piece, "true painting" is exhibited, he says: "This vicious circle of money perpetuating hideousness will have to be broken to restore the art world to its former glory." ...
In the coalition agreement presented on October 10, the word 'art' hardly occurs. Everything belongs to culture, and judging by the budget in the coalition agreement, from now on this also includes 'historical democratic awareness'. What that is, is not really explained in the agreement. It does mention compulsory school visits to the Rijksmuseum and to parliament, the distribution of the Canon of Dutch History from 2006 (to 18-year-olds and naturalized immigrants) and the compulsory learning of the Dutch National Anthem at school.
What else could go with that, you immediately ask yourself. That could be anything. It would be nice if our hidden histories, which have been the subject of much discussion lately, were included, so that extra money would be freed up for research, by artists for example, into our not-so-great histories. These could then be placed in democratic perspective. Or could this item on the budget, besides good intentions, also mean that there is not much room for dissenters in our country and that from now on a nationalistic stick will be put in place? These are some random thoughts.
The coalition agreement also shows that there will be renewed investment in culture, and that is a good thing. A good number of millions will be used for 'historical democratic awareness', but a substantial part will also go to extra investments in quality, expanding the basic infrastructure, innovation and talent development and better coordination between the state, provinces and municipalities. As mentioned, there is no explicit mention of art, nor of artists' fees.
Things will remain unsettled in the world of visual arts for a long time to come. But without turmoil no change and without change no development. So let's stay positive and hope that the visual arts world is as resilient as has been claimed about the entire cultural sector for years.
Our Prime Minister Mark Rutte spoke of progress during the presentation of the Coalition Agreement. He said, "The ordinary, normal Dutch people are really improving!" Regardless of what 'ordinary, normal' might mean, it is to be feared that Rutte mainly means 'more money' with progress. It would be nice if by progress he also meant development.
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