The Hague’s cultural sector is more vibrant than ever and is looking forward to the future with great ambition. Last May, during the first Hague Cultural Summit, local parties advocated for sustainable strengthening of the cultural sector and for an increase in the cultural budget. With the municipal elections just around the corner on March 18th, it’s time for the second Hague Cultural Summit. This is the moment for politicians to take the lead in realizing our plans.

We will introduce the cultural election debate with a short, substantive program featuring:
> Introduction, an outline of the major ambitions of The Hague’s cultural sector, and a brief explanation of the plea “Proud of The Hague’s culture” (see memo) by Arjen Lakerveld, chair of The Hague Cultural Consultation (HCO)
> The value of culture for the city. Based on research in Amsterdam and The Hague by Jeroen van Waardenberg, Dutch Culture
> The value of culture in other policy areas. Based on economic impact research by Bastiaan Vinkenburg, Berenschot
Afterward, there will be time for networking with politicians and fellow citizens.

Monday, February 23, 2026
Reception: from 6:30 PM
Substantive program: 7:00 PM – 9:30 PM (Introduction to the ambitions of The Hague’s cultural sector (7:00 PM – 8:00 PM) Election debate (8:15 PM – 9:30 PM))
Networking drinks until 10:30 PM

Location: Amare, Spuiplein 150, The Hague

More information and registration: https://www.haagscultuuroverleg.nl/2e-haagse-cultuur-top-met-cultuur-verkiezingsdebat/