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English
Kies Cultuur (Choose Culture)
Culture is everywhere in Leiden — in theatres, museums, music venues, creative spaces, on the streets and in neighbourhoods. It brings people together, sparks imagination, and keeps our city vibrant and moving.
At the same time, culture in Leiden is under pressure. Artists and cultural organisations that give our city its colour are having to do more with fewer resources. Investing in culture is actually investing in wellbeing, connection and the future of Leiden.
The municipal elections on 18 March 2026 are the moment to show that culture is essential to our city. Creators, organisations, audiences and residents — together we can show that culture matters.
So this is the time to make your voice heard: choose culture!
English
Kies Cultuur (Choose Culture)
Leiden inspires you, surprises you and opens your eyes – thanks to culture. From major museums and cinemas to artists and theatre makers, from street performances to city discussions: culture connects you, makes you happy and awakens the city. But Leiden’s culture is under pressure. In the run-up to the 2026 municipal elections, we want to join forces with as many Leiden residents as possible to show that culture is at the heart of Leiden. Join us and declare your love for Leiden’s culture. Choose culture and make your voice heard!
Leiden is a City of Culture par excellence! Culture ensures a healthy, vibrant city. We are therefore fully committed to living culture:
- Investing in diverse and accessible programming
- Space for creators and breeding grounds
- Cultural education that allows young people to grow
Join the Kies Cultuur Campaign
Culture is everywhere in Leiden — in theatres, museums, music venues, creative spaces, on the streets and in neighbourhoods. It brings people together, sparks imagination, and keeps our city vibrant and moving.
Will you join us? Declare your love, share the campaign, and check the Kieswijzer.
1. Declare your support for culture
On this website you can share your support for culture in Leiden. With your voice, you show that culture matters. Together we will collect thousands of voices from Leiden residents. These declarations will be handed over to local politicians as a powerful signal ahead of the elections.
2. Share the campaign
Help make the campagje visible across the city! Sharing the campaign increases its reach and impact.
You can help by:
- Sharing the website and campaign visuals on social media
- Telling friends, neighbours and colleagues about the campaign
- Picking up posters, flyers and buttons at one of our distribution points!
3. Check the Kieswijzer
Vote in the Leiden municipal elections on 18 March 2026 for a party that fits with what you care about. Want to know how political parties view the future of living culture in Leiden? We have reviewed party programmes and scored them based on ten cultural statements. This helps you make an informed choice for a Leiden where culture counts.
About the campaign
Kies Cultuur Leiden is a public campaign initiated by Cultuurtafel Leiden, a network of cultural organisations and makers in the city.
In the lead-up to the Leiden municipal elections 2026, we highlight the importance of culture for Leiden: for creativity, wellbeing, social connection and a vibrant city life.
We encourage residents to take culture into account when voting and call on political parties to give culture a strong, structural place in future policy and funding.
Together, we work towards a strong and sustainable cultural future for Leiden.
Cultuurtafel Leiden
Cultuurtafel Leiden brings together cultural institutions and makers from across the city. By working collectively, we strengthen the cultural sector and contribute to a lively, inclusive and creative Leiden.
The Cultuurtafel currently consists of representatives from cultural institutions and organisations throughout Leiden, including:
Leidse Schouwburg-Stadsgehoorzaal, Theater Ins Blau, Pieterskerk Leiden, Museum De Lakenhal, Nobel, BplusC, De Veenfabriek, Leiden International Film Festival, ROEM, ARS, Wibar, PS|theater, Studio Moio, Dansblok, Theater de Generator.