On Tuesday, March 3, 2026, everyone is welcome to attend THE GREAT GOUDA CULTURAL DEBATE at Cultuurhuis Garenspinnerij (Turfsingel 34, Gouda). Starting at 7:30 p.m., residents, creators, cultural institutions, and local politicians will engage in a discussion about the role of culture in Gouda, in the run-up to the municipal elections on March 18, 2026.
During this cultural debate in a talk show atmosphere, local parties in Gouda, led by Manu van Kersbergen and AnneMarie Visser, will discuss the choices for culture in the coming council term. With dilemmas, priorities, local examples, and an active role for the public through questions and short polls, it will become clear what the parties specifically want and what that means for Gouda.
Themes
The agenda includes topics such as polarization in the city and the added value of a strong cultural foundation, accessibility and affordability, young talent, amateur art, andnightlife in Gouda. Don't expect a boring evening: various creators will also take the stage.
Culture makes Gouda strong
Culture is essential to Gouda. Art and culture are not a luxury, but a right for everyone. They stimulate creativity, bring people together, and contribute to well-being, identity, quality of life, and the local economy. Every year, there are more than 400,000 visits to cultural activities in Gouda, and 40% of residents are active in amateur arts.
Call to politicians
The cultural sector calls on politicians to include culture as a fully-fledged theme in the new coalition agreement, with a focus on structural investments, fair pay, opportunities for young talent and amateur art, making cultural buildings more sustainable, and strengthening the connection between culture and the social domain.
The hosts of the debate
Manu van Kersbergen is a wordsmith, spoken-word artist, and chairperson, president of the Kunstenbond (Arts Association), and a native of Gouda. AnneMarie Visser is a presenter, host, and columnist in the Gouda region, known for Editie Groene Hart, the talk show Stadspraat, and as the founder of the magazine KNST!
More information and participation
Everyone is welcome at the Great Gouda Culture Debate. Admission is free, but you must order tickets online at cultuurhuisgarenspinnerij.nl/cultuurdebat. Come along to watch and listen, or join in the discussion with local politicians about art, music, theater, and cultural education. Cultural institutions and creators from the city are especially invited to attend. Together, we can make culture visible and indispensable for a strong Gouda.
Initiators and organizers
The Great Gouda Culture Debate is organized by Cultuurhuis Garenspinnerij - De Kunstmachine, Museum Gouda, the Gouda Theater, Gouda Library, and Cultuurmakelaar Gouda.
THE GREAT GOLDEN CULTURAL DEBATE
Garenspinnerij Cultural Center
Tuesday, March 3 - 7:30 p.m.
Turfsingel 34, Gouda
More information and tickets: www.cultuurhuisgarenspinnerij.nl/cultuurdebat
