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 21 years ago 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; 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 of the Netherlands is supported an exhibition on General Maczek and his soldiers.
Too many stories to fit into a small box
Cultural expression is a way of showing what we stand for, what we believe in, and where we find common ground. At the Centre of Contemporary Art in Warsaw, Dutch artists in residence Liesbeth Bik and Jos van der Pol examined the collection. This closer look revealed the function of culture within society and created platform for community and discussion.
