The Hague, Candidate European Capital of Culture 2018

The Hague, International City of Peace and Justice, is determined to become the Dutch European Capital of Culture in 2018.

Each year two European countries are selected to host a Cultural Capital. The status of European Capital of Culture calls for an extensive, varied and high-quality programme, covering an entire year. The plans must have a role in the city’s long-term development. In 2018 the privilege of hosting a Cultural Capital falls to Malta and the Netherlands. Apart from The Hague other candidate cities and regions in the Netherlands are Maastricht, the city of Brabant, Utrecht, Almere and Friesland.

In 1987 Amsterdam held the title and in 2001 Rotterdam. The Hague aims to become the third Dutch European Capital of Culture.

Aus Greidanus, artistic director of Den Haag 2018:

‘Many of The Hague’s artists, performers, museums and galleries are well-known all over the world. The tribunals and courts, including the remarkable Peace Palace, also capture the attention of the international media. Indeed, the entire world seems to know about The Hague. Funny then that the ‘Hagenaars’ themselves, including the immigrant population and the diplomats and expats, know so little about our cultural treasures. Working towards the Cultural Capital Year 2018, we must make visible what has been hidden from view.’

Four reasons why The Hague should be the European Capital of Culture

1. The Hague has always been a city without walls. Therefore it has always attracted artists, politicians and leading thinkers. This was a free haven where Hugo Grotius, Spinoza and father and son Constantijn and Christiaan Huygens flourished. Artists and thinkers still appreciate The Hague as a neutral territory.
2. The Hague is an international city with a lively network stretching all over the world. And The Hague is home to 144 nationalities. The Hague, City of Peace and Justice, carries an international mandate to resolve conflicts and to help societies accommodate differences. Tolerance and open-mindedness are vital to a city without walls.
3. The Hague wishes to stimulate cultural awareness and artistic appreciation among its youthful population, and is developing a Culture Education master plan in dialogue with cultural institutions, schools, the government and Europe. The Hague seeks to set an inspiring example for other cities and countries.
4. The Hague is a generous city, rich in culture, with colourful parks and dunes and close to the beach and sea. A cultural capital in fact. There is so much to experience. In 2018 The Hague extends its welcome to the world in order to share its cultural treasures with everyone.

Stichting Den Haag 2018

The journey to The Hague, European Capital of Culture 2018 has begun. The campaign welcomes your thoughts and ideas www.denhaag-2018.nl.