Culture and People-to-people
Exchange of knowledge and values is root to successful communication. Combined with cross-border cooperation of civil organizations, they form the cornerstones of bilateral relations. By deploying history, art and education, the embassy helps to create a platform for intercultural dialogue between Poland and the Netherlands.
School of dialogue
In The Netherlands, over 1000 schools participate in the educational program ‘School of dialogue’ founded in 1998 in the city of Utrecht. Since its introduction in Poland in 2019, the embassy has been supporting the implementation of this program to the effect of an ever-growing amount of Polish schools participating.
The program teaches: individual responsibility, expressing thoughts and feelings, maintaining dialogue on difficult issues and reaching consensus. Thus, teaching today’s youth how to handle themselves in society, to actively participate in public life and build a better future.
History binds us
Dutch Mennonites found a safe haven in Poland; Tylman van Gameren built castles and churches for Polish kings; Princess Marianne van Oranje created roads and founded schools and hospitals in Silesia and we will never forget the brave Polish men who fought for the freedom of Poland and the Netherlands during WWII. The Polish-Dutch connection reaches far back. Honoring that fact, the Embassy is therefore supporting heritage projects, like an exhibition on General Maczek and his soldiers.
On the big screen
Cultural expression is a way of showing what we stand for, what we believe in, and where we find common ground. In addition to being present at the larger film festivals in Poland with Dutch contemporary cinema; feature films, short films, documentaries, arthouse and genre cinema, Dutch film professionals and experts participate in debates, seminars, workshop programs and industry meetings.
