Representing the Nation. An Examination of the Cultural Policy and Practices of the Consulate General of the Netherlands in New York City

Abstract

This thesis examines the translation of Dutch governmental international cultural policy (ICP) into the practices of the Consulate General of the Netherlands in New York (CGNY). This diplomatic post reflects an ambiguous relationship between the policies and practices: on the one hand, the ICP as formulated by the Dutch government and the strategic plan for the diplomatic post, and on the other hand the practices of CGNY. The policy and practices of CGNY are researched from the conceptual approach 'representation'. The theoretical framework consists of three representational concepts: representation as formulated by Stuart Hall, representative thinking by Hannah Arendt, and a marketing strategy concept termed nation branding. These concepts serve as 'lens' through which to examine how representation is present in the policy and cultural practices of CGNY. In the analysis, the content of the current ICP (2017-2020), the strategic plan of the diplomatic post, and the motives of CGNY to grant and support certain activities are analyzed. The particular roles of representation become evident. The different roles of representation and the applied concepts help understand the tension that is present in the work of CGNY. In addition, the role of CGNY is examined within these decision processes and the degree of agency it has, the capacity to act, regarding what is represented.