Magazine Boekman delves into the culture

On Thursday 3 April, in collaboration with the Dutch Unesco Commission and representatives from the scene, the Boekman Foundation will present the spring issue of Boekman magazine, which this time is entirely dedicated to 'the culture'. This artistic movement and dynamic lifestyle is rooted in hip-hop and is at the centre of the cultural life of millions of people worldwide. The diversity of expressions - from streetwear and graphic design to visual art and music - shows how rich and widespread the culture is.
Contributors to the magazine included Eben Badu, Özkan Gölpinar, Cissy Joan, Yassin Karmoudi, Malique Mohamud, Valery Mak and Aafje de Roest along. Photographer Elizar Veerman created a series of portraits of the interviewees.
>> The new Bookman is available from 28 March. Read the opening article: The impact of the culture - Over a year after Unesco opinion.

The report Un(catchable): the innovative power of the culture (November 2023) by the Dutch Unesco Commission in collaboration with representatives from the culture, exposed how current policies lag behind reality. The advice stressed the need to develop cultural policies that better reflect the needs in society and focus on equal opportunities. In Boekman #142 paints a picture of the dynamic movement. Six reports give a unique look at diverse creators who feel connected to the culture.

Bottlenecks and opportunities in cultural funding 

One area where there is still much to be gained is in assessing grant applications. Artistic director Valery Mak (Carte Blanche, Flevoland) highlights how evaluators often lack understanding of the context, resulting in valuable applications being rejected. Organisations such as Podium NORTH in The Hague and Verdedig Noord in Amsterdam are developing new strategies to strengthen neighbourhoods and address social issues. In their process, they are tilting perspectives on issues such as gentrification and the right to the city, according to author Özkan Gölpinar. Creative director Malique Mohamud (Concrete Blossom) asks whether the culture can remain itself when it collaborates with the system. Are these genuine collaborations or just a way of ticking off grant requirements? 

First copy

The first copy of this edition will be presented to Kathleen Ferrier, chairman of the Dutch Unesco Commission. The festive presentation will take place in the Boekman Foundation's reading room. Geer Oskam, head of programmes & impact at the Culture Fund and strategic advisor Halima el Ghamarti tell how the fund is currently exploring with (match)makers of the culture how to make the culture funding system more accessible.

Between recognition and autonomy 

This Bookman illustrates the friction between recognition and autonomy: does the movement persist as soon as it is theorised? There is a tension between increased visibility and maintaining freedom