Dear reader,
Welcome to the latest edition of our quarterly newsletter! In this issue, we aim to keep you informed about the international work of the Cultural Heritage Agency of the Netherlands. You'll find updates from the International Heritage Cooperation programme, along with highlights from a variety of other international activities.
As always, your questions or
suggestions are most welcome. Enjoy the read! |
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| | | | The Dutch
programme for this year’s World Expo in Osaka is titled ‘Common Ground’,
addressing the synergy between Japan and the Netherlands. Also in heritage
conservation the two countries have joint challenges to face. One of them is
the management of change in the historic urban landscape.
On this topic a
workshop was held in Tokyo’s city quarter Sumida. The historic features of the
quarter are determined by the so called ‘Nagaya’ (Row Houses) and ‘Roji’
(Alleys). The row houses that combine small industrial activities with residential
use, offer a much appreciated livelihood (‘Nariwaya’) to the quarter. The small
alleys in between the individual structures provide a specific mixture of
private and public use (‘Shitsurai’), so typical for the area. But now, how
will expected de-population, climatic change and economic pressure affect the valued
features of Sumida in the future?
The Japanese-Dutch workshop concluded that Sumida’s
features bare a strong resilience; strong enough to accommodate foreseen new
needs. This does not mean that Sumida’s historic urban landscape won’t change,
yet its main character can be kept and even be strengthened. This also is an
important lesson for the Dutch practice. The RCE collaborated for the occasion
with HOH-Archicten, who initiated the programme, the Dutch Board of Government
Advisors (CRa), SteenhuisMeurs and Urbanberry Design. |
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| | | | The Japanese city of Kurashiki is a major tourist destination thanks to its historic Bikan quarter, known for its Edo-period warehouses. (17th century). Nearby former textile mills reflect Kurashiki’s industrialization during the Meiji period (beginning of the 20th century). Today the city still is a leading industrial city, now focused on heavy industry rather than textiles.
Last year a Japanese-Dutch workshop explored how the historic features can accommodate the city’s current dynamics. This year, the focus shifted to implementation, particularly concerning the city’s central precinct – a historic complex including the former city hall, annex library and museum with public square. All buildings have lost, or will soon lose, their initial function.
The workshop proposed repurposing the precinct as a
central urban connector. Due to its central location the precinct is the perfect spot
to connect, though infrastructure and public transport should be improved. This is
the place where tourists and residents come together; yet so far they have no
common activity to share nor an opportunity to meet. Architecturally,
the precinct also bridges past and present, exemplified by Urabe’s library
design that blends traditional and modern design. A phased redevelopment,
beginning with placemaking, was recommended. |
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| | | | From July 28 until August 1, the Dutch Trading Post Heritage Network (DTPHN) gathered in Osaka, Japan. The DTPHN is an international network of Asian public and private institutions that work with heritage related to the Dutch East India Company (VOC). The network aims to share knowledge and research on VOC heritage and to cooperate on exhibitions, publications and research. Members of the network consist of professionals and academics from India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Sri Lanka, Taiwan, and Thailand. During the meeting, the members shared research updates and welcomed Tamsui Historical Museum (New Taipei City, Taiwan) as new member.
This year’s meeting was supported by the Netherlands Embassy in Tokyo and the Consulate-general of the Netherlands in Osaka. The Cultural Heritage Agency was present as observer. |
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| | | | | At Expo 2025 in Osaka,
the RCE presented the video ‘The Riddle of the Dutch Reef’, following the earlier publication of an illustrated book. It tells
the story of the Dutch trading ship Van Bosse, which sank off the coast
of Tarama in 1857. Stories of this shipwreck have been passed down for
generations in the island's native language, which is now endangered, and have
been collected as part of this project.
The video was first
shown on Tarama Island itself, to the native speakers who lent their voices –
the video was created narrated in Taramese. It was later presented at Expo 2025
Osaka as one of the showcases at the Dutch Pavilion, aligning closely with the
Expo’s themes.
This project highlights the importance of preserving endangered languages. It
demonstrates how heritage— such as local stories about a shipwreck—can serve as
a powerful tool to address various societal challenges.
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| | | | With the final event 'Bridging Towards Resilient Cultural Heritage' on 11 and 12 September in Brussels, the ARCHE project has been successfully concluded after three years of intensive collaboration between 24 partners from 18 European countries. The final event included presentations on the achieved results of the ARCHE project, including the new Strategic Research and Innovation Agenda (SRIA), debates, and interactive sessions.
The RCE also played a role in this. Eva Stegmeijer led a parallel session in which over 40 participants experienced the consequences of climate change on heritage through a serious game. Together, they made difficult decisions about which heritage to save and how to do this. The conclusion was that loss is inevitable, but with knowledge of the risks, better interventions are possible, and action must be taken now.
This event strengthened the foundation for closer collaboration between heritage professionals, researchers, policymakers, and the wider public. |
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| | | | This year, a field school was held from July 13 to 26 for students of underwater archaeology from the University of Leiden. Ten students excavated in Greifswald, Germany. This was done in collaboration with the University of Rostock and the Landesamt für Kultur und Denkmalpflege in Mecklenburg – Vorpommern. The research focused on a Swedish warship that is believed to have sunk around 1715.
A team of students excavated part of the ship where the galley, or kitchen, must have stood. A beautiful bronze cannon has also been excavated and lifted. The older students had to take an exam to obtain the European Scientific Diver certificate, the standard for professional scientific diving in many countries in Europe. This is not yet valid in the Netherlands, but the Ministry of Education, Culture, and Science is working hard to make this happen with the assistance of the Ministry of Social Affairs and Employment. Next year we will continue! |
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| | | Image: ©Reinwardt Academie / Jorne Vriens |
| | The RCE, together
with the Reinwardt Academy, presents the seventh edition of Sharing Stories on
Contested Histories, running from September to November 2025. This programme
focuses on museum professionals worldwide tackling difficult heritage
issues—especially around collections and built colonial heritage. Participants bring
their own case studies for peer advice, fostering practical solutions.
This year, a new
alumni network will enhance lasting connections through a private LinkedIn
group and webinars. Also, don’t miss the opportunity to join the participants at the
World Cafe, about which you can read more later in this newsletter. | | |
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| | | Image: © Colonial Collections Consortium |
| | | Join this webinar exploring the Colonial Collections Datahub — a digital platform for sharing and enriching insights into collections from colonial contexts. This webinar is for (digital) heritage professionals and researchers from the Caribbean as well as other interested heritage community members. The session offers space for exchange and learning, and you will learn more about how the datahub works, how you can contribute and how it relates to your work. | |
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| | | | Join us for this interactive programme and meet the international participants of Sharing Stories on Contested Histories (SSoCH). The programme in Leiden will conclude with a World Café, in which we will engage in dialogue about the dilemmas and difficult choices involved in working with colonial heritage.
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| | | | | How does one start research into the provenance of objects from a colonial context? How did they end up in the collection? Did it involve involuntary loss of possession? Are objects eligible for return to the country of origin? This guide is a tool for laying the basis for provenance research. It is a step-by-step approach, using the most important sources and practical tips to help you get started. | |
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| | | | | How to analyze intangible heritage features in their urban landscape context? How to assess their future challenges and potentials, and integration in cultural and urban development? This was the focus of an experimental workshop held in the city of Depok in Indonesia. Depok’s intangible heritage reflects a rich cultural history, diversity, and centuries-old traditions, making it the perfect case study. This report focuses on the outcomes of the workshop and lessons learned. | |
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| | | | The International Heritage Cooperation programme of the Cultural Heritage Agency of
the Netherlands follows from the International Cultural Policy
Framework of the Dutch government. Other organisations executing the
national International Heritage Cooperation programme are DutchCulture, the
National Archives of the Netherlands, KIEN and the Embassies of the Netherlands
in the partner countries. For more information on their activities, see their
respective websites.
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.jpg?v=20251002091859 "Dutch Trading Post Heritage Network")
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.jpg?v=20251002094537 "The participants of Sharing Stories on Contested Histories")
