1. PURPOSE OF THIS EXTERNAL ETHICAL CODE
Holland Festival is a meeting place for international artists, performing arts, and audiences. We are convinced that art empowers people to (better) see the world through someone else’s eyes. It enables you to perceive, feel, or experience other perspectives.
To make this encounter as meaningful and inspiring as possible, Holland Festival aims to offer an inclusive festival experience. This means that accessibility, safety, service, and an open culture of dialogue are of paramount importance—not only during the festival itself, but also in the workplace and in the collaboration and communication between Holland Festival and all its partners (venues, hotels, and various suppliers).
This suppliers’ code is intended to safeguard that safety and open culture of dialogue. We do this by providing frameworks for effective and inclusive collaboration. These frameworks are based on the four core values of the Holland Festival culture outlined below and are designed to make it easier for all involved to work together effectively, even when interests differ. They also allow us to refer back to a set of mutually agreed basic rules in the absence of experience or in case of conflicts.
Holland Festival endorses and practices the values of the Governance Code for Culture, the Code of Fair Practice, and the Code of Diversity and Inclusion.
2. WHO THIS EXTERNAL ETHICAL CODE IS FOR
For the code to work effectively, it is important that it is known and recognised by everyone collaborating with Holland Festival. Holland Festival staff will bring this code to the attention of their contacts at the various partner organisations via email, so that our partners are aware of how Holland Festival wishes to collaborate.
It is important to address each other if this code is not adhered to. The code is published on the website hollandfestival.nl. It is reviewed and evaluated annually with the Executive Board and Supervisory Board, and updated if necessary.
3. HOLLAND FESTIVAL CORE VALUES
Holland Festival identifies four core values that together form the DNA of the organisation and to which we want to give shape together with our partners.
Creating Holland Festival Together (considerate, social, open, and welcoming)
Holland Festival is fundamentally a social organisation and employer. We care for each other and our environment. All stakeholders collectively uphold the festival and share responsibility. Outwards, we are open and welcoming.
Pioneering
Holland Festival contributes something new to the performing arts field every year. The festival is inherently progressive and boundary-pushing and seeks to reflect this in all its activities. Being pioneering means being open to innovation within the organisation, but not moving ahead of the team or losing sight of everyday realities.
Professional and Driven
Holland Festival is artist-driven. This does not mean that everything an artist says must automatically be done, but it does mean that the artistic vision is prioritised and all stakeholders commit themselves fully to achieving the best possible outcomes from collaborations.
Inclusive
Holland Festival should be accessible to everyone who wishes to attend. We are a curated festival, not neutral: what we present makes a statement. Yet the breadth and diversity of productions ensure multiple voices are heard. Holland Festival strives for diversity and inclusion in all areas: programming, audience, partners, and staff.
4. HOW WE COLLABORATE
- Holland Festival and its partners always comply with Dutch law.
- Partners of Holland Festival endorse and practise the values of the Governance Code for Culture, the Code of Fair Practice, and the Code of Diversity and Inclusion.
- Parties are always aware of potential negative consequences of public statements (online or offline) about the other party.
- Holland Festival and its partners do not tolerate (sexual) harassment, discrimination, racism, theft, aggression, bullying, physical violence, verbal abuse, abuse of power, etc.
- Holland Festival and its partners conduct business ethically, transparently, and with integrity at all times, and expect the same from each other, as well as from sponsors. They commit to cooperation with a focus on sustainability. The festival and its partners do not collaborate with companies in the arms or tobacco industries. Both parties remain alert to avoid conflicts of interest.
- Information is exchanged only as necessary to carry out the collaboration. Holland Festival and its partners may expect each other to take appropriate measures to prevent confidential information from being leaked due to carelessness, negligence, or indiscreet behaviour.
- Data, including personal data, shared between parties always belongs to the other party. Holland Festival and its partners are fully transparent about their use of each other’s data, in line with the HF privacy statement. Email communication is professional and business-related.
- Suspected integrity violations¹ by an employee of a partner organisation can be reported anonymously to the management or confidential advisor² of the reporting party’s organisation.
- The nature of the festival and networking activities may involve alcohol before, during, or after performances. Everyone is asked to consume alcohol responsibly and to address irresponsible behaviour. Holland Festival and its partners do not use other addictive or narcotic substances (such as cannabis, amphetamines, or sedatives) while at work or attending Holland Festival performances.
5. COMPLIANCE
This suppliers’ code is binding for everyone collaborating with Holland Festival. We therefore ask that parties are familiar with and adhere to the code. If a rule is not followed, we discuss it openly and agree on clear measures to prevent recurrence. Together, we ensure that this code remains a living document. This suppliers’ code guarantees effective collaboration for all parties.
Amsterdam
Emily Ansenk
Director
¹ Refers to various forms of undesirable behaviour, theft or embezzlement, malpractice, information leaks or misuse, abuse of authority or position, and mixing private and professional interests.
² Holland Festival and its partners may exchange details (name/email/phone) of their confidential advisor if mutually agreed.