Panel discussion: Should art provoke?

Name: Panel discussion: Should art provoke?
Start: 2026-08-26T18:00:00+00:00
End: 2026-08-26T22:00:00+00:00
Location: Clublokaal

Art may provoke, but where is the line? Art can challenge, confront and cause discomfort. Where is the line between artistic freedom and what is considered to have gone too far?

26 August 2026 Visit the website Plan route

Information

The reason for this panel discussion is the controversy that arose following a performance by the artists’ collective Balik/bayan, during which an effigy (a doll) of Mark Rutte was ritually destroyed. The performance led to reactions from local politicians in Breda. The VVD stated that “art is allowed to be provocative”, while at the same time voicing criticism of the performance. In response, questions were raised in the municipal council and discussion took place about possibly withdrawing Clublokaal’s subsidy. The issue also attracted attention on social media.

In addition, Clublokaal received a letter from the mayor in which the performance was described as ‘inappropriate’.

These events provide the context for this panel discussion, which will address artistic freedom, the space for controversial art and the relationship between artists, arts organisations and politics.

Programme:

19:30 doors open
20:00 introduction by Clublokaal
20:15 panel discussion with: De Creatieve Coalitie, Kunstenbond, artists’ initiative De Loods, Balik/bayan, Clublokaal. Moderated by: Platform BK.
21:15 discussion with the audience and time for questions
21:35 launch of the campaign ‘Together Against the War Machine’ by Balik/bayan and Clublokaal
21:50 programme closes
22:00 informal discussion and drinks

Language: Dutch and English

Registration is required via the website or by sending an email to info@lokaal.club.