News item | 15-07-2022 | 4:00 pm
This autumn, assessment of requests for the return of colonial collections will start
An independent committee will consider requests for the return of colonial cultural goods. Countries of origin can submit these requests. State Secretary Uslu of Culture and Media establishes this advisory body and has asked Lilian Gonçalves – Ho Kang You as chairman. The committee assesses requests for the return of cultural objects that may have been illegally brought to the Netherlands during colonial times and that are now on display in Dutch museums. The government is making 2.4 million euros available for this in 2022.
To handle refund requests carefully and successfully, constructive cooperation with the countries of origin is essential. That is why, among other things, museum staff and researchers discuss the provenance of objects and museum collaboration. 1.4 million euros is available for this support for the provenance investigation and the assessment of restitution requests for 2022. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs makes 1 million euros available per year for international cooperation and knowledge exchange.
During colonial history there was an unequal balance of power. Many cultural objects, such as statues, furniture and textiles, were taken to the Netherlands without the permission of the owner. The government has already acknowledged that the population of colonial areas has been wronged by taking possession of this type of cultural property against their will. This recognition was a first step in the careful handling of colonial collections.
Lilian Gonçalves – Ho Kang You previously chaired the committee that issued advice on policy on colonial collections. She also has extensive administrative experience at various human rights organisations, cultural and social institutions.