Caring for HeritageThe Cultural Heritage Agency connects policy, knowledge and practice.

The Cultural Heritage Agency of the Netherlands

The Cultural Heritage Agency of the Netherlands4 The Cultural Heritage Agency of the Netherlands 5

What is the Cultural Heritage Agency?The Cultural Heritage Agency is the Netherlands’ centre of expertise for heritage.

Heritage care is a public interest, for which government also takes responsibility. The Cultural Heritage Agency is an executive body of the Ministry for Education, Culture and Science. Its tasks go beyond merely preserving and protecting buildings, sites and works of art. Today, society devotes increasing attention to how cultural historical values can be given a place within spatial development plans and projects. Doing so ensures that we can give the future a – recognisable – past.

The Agency has a staff of over three hundred, including specialists in restoration, historical research, chemistry, law, art history, archaeology, urban planning, archiving... the list goes on. They are based at one of four locations. At the Agency’s head office in Amersfoort you will find advisors, researchers, and policy staff, as well as communica-tions and information experts. There is also a large library which is open to the public.The extensive State Art Collection is managed from Rijswijk. In Amsterdam, our scientists work alongside their counterparts at the University of Amsterdam and the world famous Rijksmuseum, undertaking research to ensure that objects of art and design, books, archival documents and other objects of historical value can be preserved for posterity. Lelystad is home to the National Maritime Collection.

The Cultural Heritage Agency in figures

• Locations: 4 (Amersfoort, Rijswijk, Amsterdam and Lelystad)• Yearly budget: over 35 million euros for the organisation and 80 million euros for subsidies • Staff: approx. 315 employees, plus over 100 internships each year

What are the values of heritage? Heritage is a collection of traces of the past, both visible and invisible.

Some of our heritage is tangible such as artworks in museums, archaeological finds, archives, listed buildings or historic landscapes. But there are also intangible reminders of the past such as customs, folklore and stories. They too are part of our identity. Our heritage informs the very way in which we think and act.This is what makes it so valuable.

Heritage has many values. First, there is the aesthetic value of a painting, a building or a finely crafted piece of jewellery. Then there is the historic value: archaeological finds offer a wealth of knowledge about how our forefathers lived. Another value of heritage, and one which is now more widely acknowledged, is its social relevance. Heritage defines the identity of a community, helping to establish common bonds. Last but not least, heritage has an economic value. It drives tourism and enhances the attractiveness of a city or region as a place to live and work.

Heritage in figures

• 63,000 listed buildings and sites• 420 protected town and village views• 10 UNESCO World Heritage Sites• 140,000 objects in the State Art Collection under the Agency’s management

The Cultural Heritage Agency of the Netherlands6 The Cultural Heritage Agency of the Netherlands 7

What does the Cultural Heritage Agency do?The varied work of the Agency includes generating and disseminating knowledge, implementing policy and legislation, administering guarantees and subsidies, and providing practical advice.

Our strength lies in connecting three key elements: practical expertise, scientific knowledge and government policy. These elements are mutually reinforcing, whereby we can base our practical advice on scientific knowledge, on our extensive experience and on the objectives of government policy. Conversely, our practical expertise and knowledge make a significant contribution to the development of policy.

Caring for our heritage is a question of teamwork. It involves owners, research and knowledge institutes, specialist contractors, government authorities and, of course, the Agency itself. Within this partnership, we bring together political and administrative elements, knowledge and practical expertise, and the various ‘domains’ of heritage: historic buildings, museums, archaeology and the landscape. Wherever possible, we adopt an integrated perspective which transcends the dividing lines between these various domains.

Activities in figures (yearly)

• over 500 advisory reports to support authorities in the assessment of permit applications for major alterations to listed buildings, together with some 1,500 informal advisory reports

• 50 permits for interventions affecting protected archaeological sites• 80 million euros in subsidies for the conservation of monuments• 300,000 visitors to our website• 13,000 e-mail enquiries handled by the InfoDesk• 250 publications (books and journal articles)• 500 lectures• 50 symposia, workshops and meetings• 500 object loans to exhibitions, government departments and diplomatic missions

How does the Agency work?The Agency’s mission is to improve the performance of heritage care in the Netherlands.

We not only wish to preserve the Netherlands’ heritage but to promote its sustainable development and make it accessible to the general public. We do so by being an authority with a clear, business-like yet flexible approach, with a passion for heritage that characterises all our staff.

The Agency’s main activities are organised in a portfolio of programmes and projects. Some are practical in nature, while others are more concerned with knowledge development. For example the ‘Vision on Heritage and Spatial Planning’ programme gives cultural history a firm place in major spatial development projects. ‘Improvement Actions in Archaeology’, has been prompted by an evaluation of the Archaeology Act. The portfolio also includes various activities that relate to the policy document ‘Working Together, Stronger Together’ by the Minister of Education, Culture and Science, which is concerned with cooperation between museums, as well as activities within the ‘Safe Heritage’ programme.

Programmes and projects

• Vision on Heritage and Spatial Planning• Improvement Actions in Archaeology• Maritime Heritage• Heritage Monitor• Quality of Conservation• New Use for Historic Buildings• Shared Cultural Heritage• Heritage Digital Infrastructure• Safe Heritage• Sustainable Heritage• Guideline on Heritage and Spatial Planning• National Collections Centre• Religious Heritage• Various projects related to policy document on museums• European Union Joint Programming Initiative (JPI)

8 The Cultural Heritage Agency of the Netherlands

‘ Working abroad is inspiring and mutually beneficial’

Cees van ‘t VeenGeneral Director of the Cultural Heritage Agency, on the importance and the various forms of international cooperation:

‘Cultural heritage is not confined to borders. It underlines both national and universal values and therefore caring for heritage is also a cross-border activity. Those involved in the care of cultural heritage deal with the same issues such as sustainability in the face of climate change, maintenance and tourism.

To facilitate the care of Dutch cultural heritage in a European and global context, the Cultural Heritage Agency invests and participates in a variety of networks. As part of the European Heritage Heads Forum, for example, we cooperate with colleagues from other governments on policy issues. Through a network organisation of heritage councils and research institutes we promote collaborative research through the European Commission’s Joint Programming Initiative on Cultural Heritage. International collaboration is based on developing and sharing knowledge to safeguard specific types of heritage such as underwater cultural heritage or contemporary art.’

At a global level The Cultural Heritage Agency

1 reports to UNESCO on the state of World Heritage sites in the Netherlands and submits nominations for new sites

2 is a member of ICOMOS, International Council on Monuments and Sites, ICOMOS is a non-governmental organisation dedicated to the conservation of the world’s monuments and sites

3 is a member of ICCROM, International Centre for the Study of the Preservation and Restoration of Cultural Property, ICCROM is an intergovernmental organization dedicated to the conservation of cultural heritage

4 is a member of ICOM, International Council of Museums, an organisation representing museums and museum professionals that assists the museum community in their mission to preserve, conserve and share cultural heritage

5 participates in the organisation of ICOM-CC, International Council of Museums Committee for Conservation, the largest of the International Committees of ICOM and aims to promote the conservation of culturally and historically significant works

6 coordinates INCCA, International Network for the Conservation of Contemporary Art, a network of museum professionals connected to the conservation of contemporary art

The Cultural Heritage Agency of the Netherlands 11

The Cultural Heritage Agency of the Netherlands12

On a European levelThe Cultural Heritage Agency

7 participates in The European Heritage Heads Forum, an informal network that brings together the heads of the European state heritage authorities to share ideas about the management of the historic environment in the 21st century

8 submits site nominations to the European Heritage Label, an initiative to promote sites that have played a significant role in the history and culture of Europe

9 participates in EAC, Europae Archaeologiae Consilium, a forum for national archaeological heritage management agencies to establish closer and more structured cooperation and exchange of information

10 shares information through HEREIN, European Heritage Network, a permanent information system hosted by the Council of Europe where government departments responsible for cultural heritage can share their policies

11 participates in JPI-CH, Joint Programming Initiative on Cultural Heritage, a network organisation made possible by the European Commission through which EU member states can coordinate and maximise impact of their research efforts

The Cultural Heritage Agency of the Netherlands12

The Cultural Heritage Agency of the Netherlands14

‘ We were able to build seamlessly on the past’

Frits van Dongen Architect and urban planner, on the transformation of the former navy dockyards in Den Helder into a modern theatre complex:

‘Fantastic! I was taken aback by the spatial quality of the location. The Cultural Heritage Agency had overseen the conservation of the dockyards in such a way that the original structure had been preserved yet the entire space could be used for its new purpose almost immediately.

Everything was already in place: open performance areas, steel support structures, gantries for lighting and scenery, and so forth. We were able to build seamlessly on the past.

We added nothing more than a few elements such as the backstage fly tower. We did everything in close consultation with the Agency. Communication was straightforward and pleasant. Of course, this demands some effort on both sides. The architect must present his ideas as simply and clearly as possible, while the Agency must understand why minor alterations are necessary in the interests of functionality. I think the Agency appreciated the subtle way in which I was able to achieve that functionality.’

The Agency in practice

Historic buildings

The Agency

1 designates buildings as ‘national monuments’ and administers the register

2 advises local authorities with regard to major alterations to listed buildings

3 administers subsidies for the conservation of national monuments

4 administers subsidies to promote new use of historic buildings

5 develops new knowledge about the conservation of built heritage and ways in which historic buildings can be given a new function

6 provides expertise and advice on the routine maintenance of significant interiors (preventive conservation)

7 registers incidents (such as fire or flooding) involving a national monument

8 promotes the quality of care for built heritage

9 conducts research into energy-efficient forms of conservation practice

10 monitors the condition of built heritage, as well as developments in conservation practice

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The Cultural Heritage Agency of the Netherlands18

‘ Exceptional works that we could never have acquired ourselves’

Peter SchoonDirector of the Dordrecht Museum, on the loan of works in the national art collection:

‘The Dordrecht Museum has for many years made grateful use of loans from the State Art Collection. Doing so enables us to produce larger, more important and more relevant exhibitions which help us to tell the story of our city. In many cases, the items concerned are of exceptional quality and extremely valuable. They would be far beyond our regular acquisitions budget.

Our collaboration with The Cultural Heritage Agency has become even closer over time. We now enjoy the Agency’s full trust and confidence, even in areas such as restoration. It is a mutually beneficial arrangement; by exhibiting works from the State Collection, we are also providing a public platform for the Agency itself. The staff in Rijswijk fully understands our position and our wishes. If they think a work that has just been returned to the depot in Rijswijk would be of interest, someone will be on the phone almost immediately.’

The Agency in practice

Moveable heritage

The Agency

1 manages those works in the State Art Collection which have not been given a place in a national museum

2 restores objects in the collection

3 loans objects from the collection to museums and government institutions

4 grants indemnity to museums for international loans

5 coordinates the Netherlands’ contribution to the Europeana project

6 develops knowledge and expertise in the areas of the valuation, risk management, conservation and restoration of artworks, and of arts and crafts

7 is currently developing a National Collections Centre in association with the Rijksmuseum Amsterdam and the National Open Air Museum, Arnhem.

8 registers incidents involving objects and collections held by museums

9 oversees the return to rightful owners of looted art, particularly that confiscated during the Nazi occupation of the Netherlands

10 monitors the condition of heritage in museums

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Giving the future a past

The Cultural Heritage Agency of the Netherlands24

‘ It’s not what’s on paper that counts but what you see out the window’

Gerda KroezeSpatial Heritage Policy Advisor, City of Deventer, on the role of heritage in area development:

‘Our relationship with the Cultural Heritage Agency has changed. The Agency now has a different role, one which meets a local requirement. It develops and collects knowledge, which it then makes available in an accessible form such as the Guideline on Heritage and Spatial Planning. In this role, the Agency’s work goes beyond protecting historic buildings. It has introduced a new process in which values and interests are taken fully into consideration, and in which the local authority and the community itself are given greater direct responsibility.

A good example of this process at work is the new use of Deventer’s Havenkwartier (Harbour District), which includes a number of historic silos. Their cultural historical value was described in detail, and that value was then incorporated into the zoning plan and the redevelopment of the area. We intend to apply the same approach in other local projects, assisted by the ‘values map’ and ‘structure vision’ currently in development. This is a different way of working, a new track with many uncertainties, yet one which preserves and improves Deventer’s quality, one that uses heritage as source of inspiration.’

The Agency in practice

Spatial planning

The Agency

1 encourages the incorporation of cultural historical values in major spatial development projects

2 advises the government on large spatial and infrastructural projects

3 is a statutory advisory body for Environmental Impact Reports (EIR)

4 advises on the development of (future) world heritage sites and (on request) on any major alterations to urban and village conservation areas

5 advises authorities on the preservation of cultural historical values when major alterations to the landscape are indicated

6 advises landscape management agencies on matters relating to cultural historical value

7 develops methods and techniques for the study of the historical landscape

8 is developing a knowledge infrastructure for the historical landscape

9 monitors the condition of landscape heritage and developments in its management and preservation

10 monitors heritage values within spatial planning

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The Cultural Heritage Agency of the Netherlands28

‘ Fewer spades in the ground’

Tonnie van de Rijdt-van de VenChair of the Association of Volunteers in Archaeology (AWN), on advocacy and education:

‘For many of our approximately two thousand members, the practical side of archaeology is very important. They enjoy the dig itself and they like to hold archaeological finds in their hands. However, times are changing, for us as well as for the Cultural Heritage Agency. We are now far less likely to work ‘in the field’, although there are still some volunteers who take part in digs organized by private landowners.

As an association, our focus is shifting from spadework to education and advocacy. We enjoy considerable support from the Agency, particularly in matters relating to the law. For example, in our dealings with a local authority that initially wanted to conserve a Roman cemetery in situ, but now wants to cover the entire site with concrete and bricks. Is that allowed? Does this constitute ‘preservation’ as defined by legislation?

We regularly try to make our voice heard at the local level. Precisely how we can do so most effectively is a topic of regular discussions with the Agency.’

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The Agency in practice

Archaeology

The Agency

1 designates protected archaeological sites

2 advises the government and its partners on matters relating to archaeological sites

3 manages the State Maritime Archaeology Collection in Lelystad

4 issues permits for excavations

5 administers subsidies for the conservation of archaeological monuments

6 administers the archaeological data management system ARCHIS, and registers notifications and reports from the field

7 undertakes improvement actions related to the Treaty of Malta.

8 promotes the conservation of maritime heritage.

9 monitors the status and condition of archaeological heritage, as well as developments within the discipline of archaeology

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The Cultural Heritage Agency of the Netherlands32 The Cultural Heritage Agency of the Netherlands 33

The Agency

1 works alongside various partners to develop an information infrastructure which offers ready access to information about cultural heritage

2 provides access to information from the relevant knowledge domains to owners, heritage organisations, the creative industry, local authorities, etc.

3 monitors the status of cultural heritage to support policy development

4 is currently working alongside various partners to develop a hierarchical glossary of terms relating to heritage, policy and research, which will also enable existing data to be used in new contexts (Linked Open Data)

5 ensures that all interaction with the Agency can be conducted online

6 participates in various international projects

Heritage Digital Infrastructure

General information Libraries

AmersfoortOpen Mon-Fri, 09:00-17:00Smallepad 5 | 3811 MG AmersfoortT +31 (0)33 421 7444bibliotheek@cultureelerfgoed.nl

RijswijkVisitors by appointment onlyVisseringlaan 3 | 2288 ER RijswijkT +31 (0)33 - 421 7144bibliotheek-rijswijk@cultureelerfgoed.nl

AmsterdamOpen Mon-Fri, 09:00-17:00Locatie Ateliergebouw AmsterdamHobbemastraat 22 | 1071 ZC Amsterdam T +31 (0)33 - 421 7144bibliotheek-amsterdam@cultureelerfgoed.nl

LelystadOpen Mon-Fri, 09:00-17:00 and by appointmentOostvaardersdijk 01-04 | 8244 PA LelystadT +31 (0)33 421 7444bibliotheek-lelystad@cultureelerfgoed.nl

VisitorsSmallepad 5 3811 MG AmersfoortT +31 (0)33 421 7421

CorrespondenceP.O. Box 16003800 BP AmersfoortF +31 (0)33 421 7799info@cultureelerfgoed.nl

InfoDeskAll enquiriesT +31 (0)33 421 7456info@cultureelerfgoed.nl

Websitewww.cultureelerfgoed.nl

Colophon

Design | SchaapOntwerpersText | Annette LubbersPhotos | Marie Cecile ThijsPrinted by | Xerox/OBT, The Hague

We bring together and share knowledge about cultural heritage

The Cultural Heritage Agency advises and inspires in all matters relating to the preservation, sustainable development and accessibility of the Netherlands’ most valuable cultural heritage.

The Agency is also responsible for overseeing compliance with legislation governing the conservation of monuments, archaeology, historical landscapes and museum collections.