This summer, I read the digital dummy of Erik Akkermans' book on cultural policy: In Perspective. Akkermans looks back on his career, which has taken him through the Federation of Artists' Associations, the South Holland Cultural Council, two art schools and a consultancy firm, among others. In the book, Akkermans shares his insights, outlines special events and covers almost all aspects of cultural life. Reading it is a great pleasure, as Akkerman's style is characterised by balance (never rash judgement!), mildness and grace. In almost every paragraph, I came across a salient example, a catchy wording or a nice comparison.
The book covers topics as diverse as policies for artists, cultural education and arts centres, production houses for dance, media art, managing professionals, making policy and taking interests into account - social or within institutions. Ample attention is paid to the role played by advisory bodies in the cultural sector.
For example, I read with great interest the chapters on the Rotterdam municipality and its art advisory service, which was abolished as of January 2023 because it was said to be "out of date". At the end of a striking and balanced reflection, Akkermans writes: "Rotterdam's administrators will surely get a second chance. It is 'out of date' to determine, initiate and implement cultural policy solely from City Hall. So at some point the Board will have to give its vision on how these functions for advice, collaboration and debate will be shaped. And if the councillor seeks advice on this, he will later have to carefully examine whether he thinks it is good advice or whether it is good advice."
Renowned anthology
Publications such as In Perspective are few and far between. In terms of format and content, the book reminds me of ''In search of culture', the renowned 1980 collection of essays by Jan Kassies (a.o. director of the Federation of Artists' Associations, secretary of the Arts Council and founder of the Theatre School). Nice to read in Akkermans' preface that he considers Kassies to be the great, kind (and stimulating) giant.
As far as I am concerned, Akkermans is following in his footsteps. He says: "I looked for the long lines. Problems change character. There is progress. And regressions. Often things come back. Sometimes something goes missing that we can now regret. The industry has professionalised. That is usually fine. Sometimes unfortunate. I hope those long lines become visible to readers. Perhaps from time to time they will lead to fresh discussions, to new or renewed insights, perhaps also to a sigh of relief about what is better now. "
I warmly recommend this book. You can subscribe via: www.voordekunst.nl/projecten/19388-in-perspectief-onder-het-hoofdkussen
