Culture

Finding solutions together
© Kamerich & Budwilowitz

The Netherlands celebrates a rich history of world famous philosophers and artists such as Erasmus, Vermeer, Rembrandt, Van Gogh, and Escher. However, the modern Dutch creative sector is also diverse, reflecting the Dutch people’s exploratory spirit and intercultural linkages across the globe. The Netherlands Embassy in Harare periodically works with local artists and arts organisations especially to promote collaboration and cultural linkages between Zimbabwe and the Netherlands.

Let's connect

Our colleagues are happy to help you!

Culture plays a vital role in a sustainable future by encouraging diversity, inclusion, innovation and reflection – all vital in solving global challenges together. The arts can shine a light on issues and inspire a way forward.

European Film Festival

This is an annual event led by the EU Delegation to Zimbabwe with support from member states. Each year the Netherlands licenses a Dutch film in line with our priorities. In addition to screening European films, the EU Film Festival also runs a workshop series and short film competition for local filmmakers. Recent films are:

  • 2021: Galapagos: Hope for the Future
  • 2020: Bellingcat: Truth in a Post-Truth World
  • 2019: The Conductor

Rembrandt@350 – Zimbabwe Remasters a Dutch Icon

2019 marked 350 years since the death of Dutch icon Rembrandt van Rijn. This anniversary was celebrated at more than 70 commemorative exhibitions across the world. In Zimbabwe, the Netherlands Embassy and the National Gallery of Zimbabwe joined forces and called artists to recreate a Rembrandt piece of their choosing but in their own style and with local themes. More than 140 artists submitted works in various mediums, with 35 chosen for display alongside the 6 original Rembrandt Etchings held in the National Gallery of Zimbabwe’s Permanent Collection. The artists were bold and creative, using numerous mediums from painting and printmaking to sculpture and photography. The exhibition opened in Harare, before moving to Bulawayo.

Shoko Festival 2021

The Embassy was excited to sponsor the 2021 spoken word programme – Lost: A Spoken Word Journey. In addition to many excellent local poets, Dutch poet Smita James worked with Zimbabwean wordsmith Shaldo to create a virtual collaboration that reached across continents and raised the collective worries, fears and hopes for the future around issues such as climate change, social inequality and the rise of authoritarianism. You can watch their performance here.