The collaboration between the Netherlands’ Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Ministry of Education, Culture and Science with Rotterdam’s Nieuwe Instituut marks an exciting venture in curating the cultural programme for the country’s participation at the World Expo 2025 in Osaka, Kansai, Japan. Scheduled from Sunday, April 13 to Monday, October 13, 2025, this event provides a platform for nations to converge and address global challenges. Under the overarching theme of “Common Ground,” the Netherlands aims to foster dialogue and innovation within its pavilion, serving as a hub for exchanging ideas and exploring new approaches to living.
Aric Chen, the General and Artistic Director of the Nieuwe Instituut, emphasizes the significance of cultural perspectives in tackling global issues. Beyond technological and economic solutions, cultural shifts in perception and imagination play a vital role. The Dutch pavilion’s narrative underscores the celebration of diversity as a catalyst for learning and collaboration. By embracing differences, the cultural programme seeks to facilitate sustainable and innovative solutions that resonate on a global scale.
The cultural programme curated by Nieuwe Instituut promises a fusion of artistic disciplines, reflecting the richness of Dutch and Japanese cultures. From fashion to gaming, poetry to architecture, the programme will engage diverse audiences, encouraging participation and dialogue. This inclusive approach ensures that Expo 2025 attendees experience a multifaceted exploration of creativity and ideas, both within the pavilion and in its surrounding spaces.
As arrangements progress, excitement grows for an immersive and impactful encounter at Expo 2025, where, culture acts as a driving force, facilitating unity and confronting worldwide issues.
