The Netherlands must do more to actively protect artistic freedom, which is coming under increasing pressure through intimidation and political interference, the Council for Culture has warned.

The council said in a new report that artistic freedom is a cornerstone of the democratic rule of law and an essential condition for an open society. Safeguarding it, the report said, is a shared responsibility of politicians, the cultural sector and the education system.

The council said it has received a growing number of signals in recent years from artists and cultural institutions whose work has become the subject of increasingly sharp public controversy.

The pressure ranges from disputes over programming to intimidation and threats. While the trend is not unique to the arts and is also visible in areas such as the judiciary, journalism and academia, the council described it as a worrying development.

Politicians and government bodies should play a more active role in protecting artistic freedom, the council said. The report calls for restraint from politicians when commenting on the content of works or art, warning that official statements can add to the pressure on artists.

Last year, for example, a social media post by VVD leader Dilan Yesilgöz led singer Douwe Bob to go into hiding. Concerts by British punk rap band Bob Vylan were also cancelled after protests.

“Pop and other concerts, museums, film festivals, debating centres, literature, children’s books and libraries are all facing increasing pressure when it comes to artistic freedom,” the report said.

“Rising geopolitical tensions and the conflicts in Gaza and Ukraine have left their mark on artists and cultural institutions in the form of boycotts and performance bans.”

The cultural sector itself also has responsibilities, the council said. Institutions should continue to emphasise the public value of art, engage with audiences and be prepared for public debate and criticism.