Mutual Cultural Heritage (or Gemeenschappelijk Cultureel Ergoed, GCE) is a policy term used by the Dutch government. The term ‘mutual’ is a rather charged word to use. The terminology of ‘mutual’ is now most often used by the Netherlands to determine heritage that has a Dutch origin.

The mutual cultural heritage can be divided into three categories:

1.    the overseas cultural heritage,

2.    heritage built in or taken to other countries by the Dutch

3.    heritage in the Netherlands from those countries whose culture has influenced the Netherlands.

It is a fascinating concept. The mutuality in its definition assumes a shared view of the concerned heritage on the part of the Dutch and another country. Heritage, the ‘silent’ remains of history, resonates with the echo of many voices in the contemporary interpretation and presentation of a site. The stories selected in this process determine the site’s character and consequently its meaning for society. However, such stories differ depending on the storyteller.

Difficulties in caring for mutual heritage
Difficulties in cultural cooperation originate in the different approach to mutual heritage. The Netherlands ask mutual participation, responsibility and care for the heritage of the VOC (United East Indian Company) and colonial period, whilst this period can hardly be determined as ‘mutual’. Mutuality asks for equal input and this is not always the reality. Cultural differences between two countries can play a role: different cultures do not always share the view that heritage must be preserved. Heritage from the colonial period could be hurtful to a formerly colonised country or cannot coincide with the identity the country wants to promote. And even if that culture does wish to preserve a heritage site, they do not always have the financial means or the expertise to do so.

Therefore, the CIE feels that projects initiated in The Netherlands should include capacity building and long-lasting development as keywords. The cultural field training is to develop experts that could implement a long-lasting development in projects.

Priority Countries
The Dutch Ministries of Foreign Affairs and Education, Culture and Science aim, through a mutual heritage program, at cooperation with eight priority countries:

Brazil                      Russia

Ghana                     South Africa

India                       Sri Lanka

Indonesia                 Suriname

 
CIE identifies partners in and for these countries and initiates local and international meetings with partners from The Netherlands and local priority countries. The outcome of the discussions and meetings are presented to the Dutch government to improve future cooperation policy. This formula is applicable to programs for many countries with mutual heritage.

CIE is currently involved in programs with among others Suriname, Sri Lanka, South Africa and the City of New York.  Various countries have expressed their interest in this stimulating formula.