In response to the VVD's comments, Clublokaal and artists' collective Balik/bayan published statements defending their artistic choices. The association for (visual) art workers Platform Beeldende Kunst, the national umbrella organisation De Creatieve Coalitie and a broad coalition of cultural advocacy groups publicly spoke out in defence of artistic freedom.

But are statements alone enough?

The ritual destruction of an effigy of Mark Rutte, depicted as an indestructible action figure in toy packaging, was intended as a sharp critique of the increasing militarisation of society. This performance marked the end of the (un(h)armed exhibition at Clublokaal, which explored the growing militarisation of Europe and its societal consequences. However, when the discussion focuses exclusively on the limits of artistic freedom, the work's substantive message risks fading into the background. The commotion overshadows the content.

The Panel Talk

During this discussion, we will explore how artists, art institutions and the wider cultural sector can address the growing pressure on artistic freedom together. How can we protect the artistic freedom of creators and the autonomy of art institutions to exhibit controversial art? What role do artists, institutions, foundations, governments and advocacy groups play in this? How can we form sustainable coalitions that defend artistic freedom and continue to address social issues?

This discussion is not intended to be a retrospective on a single incident, but rather an invitation to develop joint strategies. How can we build a cultural landscape that defends artistic freedom when under pressure and is organised to withstand political and social pressure in the long term? What forms of solidarity are needed for this, both locally and internationally?

At the end of the panel discussion, Balik/bayan and Clublokaal will launch a joint campaign called 'Standing Together Opposing Militarism'. This is a broad movement that speaks out against the increasing militarisation of our society, which is increasingly presented as inevitable.

On the occasion of the panel, a zine will be published, compiling statements, letters, articles and other public documents related to the destruction of the effigy. This will be distributed to the audience during the event.

Participants

De Creatieve Coalitie, a national umbrella organisation for professionals working in the cultural and creative sector, issued a public statement signed by over ten interest groups, including the Academy of Arts, Kunsten ’92, the Dutch Association for the Performing Arts, the Association of Dutch Pop Venues and Festivals, and the Association of Theatre and Concert Hall Directors. The statement can be read here.

Kunstenbond is the national trade union for the creative sector and has extensive knowledge of regulations and legal aspects relating to artistic freedom. Kunstenbond is a co-signatory to the statement by De Creatieve Coalitie.

Kunstenaarsinitiatief De Loods is an artists’ collective in Breda, which recently organised the exhibition ‘Silence = Violence’ featuring censored work by various artists, curated by Joyce Overheul. 

Balik/bayan is a collective of Filipino artists who built the effigy of Mark Rutte together with residents of Breda, local neighbours and students. Balik/bayan published an open letter on this subject, which can be read here. 

Clublokaal, an art space for collective practices in Breda, was targeted by the local VVD for organising a performance featuring an effigy as part of an exhibition called (un(h)armed. In response, Clublokaal published a statement.

Platform Beeldende Kunst (moderation) is a national advocacy organisation for artists and art institutions which also published a statement on the situation at Clublokaal. This statement can be read here. Platform BK is also a co-signatory of the statement by De Creatieve Coalitie.

References 

Local news medium BredaNU published an article on the closing performance featuring the destruction of the effigy.

Questions raised by the VVD Breda council members in the city council. The responses from the Mayor and Aldermen are expected on 25 August.

Art magazine MetropolisM published an article  in response to statements made by Clublokaal and Balik/Bayan.

De Volkskrant published an article about how the mayor and the VVD consider this artistic expression to have gone ‘too far’.

Read/look back: (un(h)armed exhibition en UP IN ARMS 14 June.

Accessibility

• Sign up is required! Sign up via the form on this page or by sending an e-mail to info@lokaal.club.
• Participation is free. Donations are welcome at the bar.
• The main language of this event is Dutch. Some participants will speak in English and questions in English are welcome too.
• There is a paid parking lot directly across the building. Clubokaal is about a 10 minute walk from the central station of Breda.

• Unfortunately we don't yet have a wheelchair accessible toilet or elevator in our building. The talk will take place on the ground floor. The building has a number of thresholds which can be difficult for people in a wheelchair. If needed, the Clublokaal team can help with entering the building. 

Do you have specific questions about accessibility, or other questions regarding accessibility? Please feel free to contact us at: info@lokaal.club