In May 2026, Culture Connect will launch in The Hague, a joint initiative of five cultural institutions in The Hague: Nederlands Dans Theater, Residentie Orkest, PAARD music venue, the Beelden aan Zee museum, and Het Nationale Theater. The program targets young professionals aged approximately 20 to 40 from the business sector and government, and connects them on a regular basis with the city’s cultural life.

Joint cultural evenings

Culture Connect offers participating organizations the opportunity to have their employees take part in five joint cultural evenings each year. Each event features an exhibition, performance, or concert, followed by an in-depth discussion on current social issues or leadership topics. During the closing reception, there is plenty of opportunity to meet other participants and continue the evening’s conversations.

The organizers emphasize that Culture Connect is not a traditional business club, but a network of curious professionals who view culture as a driver of innovation, a bridge to society, and a place for people to come together. The program brings together work, society, and culture, and provides a space for new insights and exchange.

Council member welcomes the initiative

Culture Connect plays a role in retaining talent in a tight labor market. By actively connecting young professionals with the city’s cultural offerings and public discourse, their sense of belonging to The Hague as a place to work and live is strengthened. Alderman Saskia Bruines (Finance, Culture, and Economic Development) is enthusiastic about the initiative:“It’s fantastic that several leading cultural institutions in The Hague are joining forces on this initiative. By connecting young professionals to art, culture, and social discourse, they are actively contributing to talent retention and The Hague’s appeal.”

Collaboration between the cultural sector and the business community

The collaboration among multiple cultural institutions results in a diverse and appealing program. In addition, this initiative helps attract a younger audience and reach new target groups. Culture Connect also strengthens the connection between the cultural sector and The Hague’s business community, with a view to establishing long-term partnerships. Participating organizations thereby demonstrate their commitment to the city and to themes such as diversity, sustainability, and social cohesion.

The initiative thus supports The Hague’s positioning as an international, creative, and socially conscious city, where culture, the economy, and society reinforce one another.

The launch of Culture Connect will take place on Thursday , May Thursday , 2026, at the PAARD music venue.