The culture in the Netherlands is dynamic, and reflective. Whether it is the iconic windmills and tulip fields or the rich artistic legacy of Dutch painters such as Rembrandt and Van Gogh, Dutch culture is known for its deep-rooted heritage worldwide. 

But why exactly is culture important? Culture is known to be a reflection of society, and is significant in determining how people live, grow, and interact with one another. A society without culture cannot exist - preserving the deep-rooted heritage and traditions is thus important for maintaining cultural identity. Similarly, Marsa Fattu, the founder of Ina Manenu Weaving Group and a weaver from Rote Island (East Nusa Tenggara, Indonesia), shared with CCD-NL: “I don't want people to view ikat merely as a throwaway cloth that is used until it is worn out and then tossed away. Rather, I want them to perceive ikat as a cultural inheritance from our ancestors that must be preserved and passed down to future generations.” Living in a multicultural society, it is significant to preserve and cherish our own traditions, while understanding and appreciating others’. 

In our project “Threads of Tradition: Fostering Cultural Ties Through Ikat Art”, we have demonstrated that sharing traditions is important; By promoting the Indonesian traditional dyeing technique for patterning textiles (Ikat), we took a step towards ensuring that this art is preserved for future generations to come. Moreover, in our Pan Project (2023), we have connected ikat artisans from different countries with Dutch artisans to promote cultural exchange and strengthen intercultural relations. At CCD-NL, we prioritize cultural diversity and development, urging people to preserve traditions, and seek effective possibilities regarding sustainable cultural advancements. Thus, culture is not just a reflection of our past, but a basis of our future. 

Recognizing the importance of culture and its development, international collaborations play a crucial role in preserving and sharing our heritage. Through intercultural exchange, we can protect and spread our traditions, heritage, and customs. At CCD-NL, we have strengthened the cultural ties between the Netherlands and Indonesia, as well as promoted sustainable collaboration between artists from the respective countries. Moreover, our Kasuri Project (2019) strengthened intercultural communication and cultural exchange between the Netherlands and Japan, while educating audiences about Kasuri, a traditional Japanese textile technique. By encouraging international collaboration, this project aimed to promote knowledge exchange and advocate towards a sustainable future.

In addition to socio-cultural advancements, international collaborations also focus on socioeconomic aspects. At CCD-NL, we acknowledge the economic influence of cultural exchange and development. In our Pan Project, artisans from different countries contributed to the socioeconomic development and cultural diversity regarding ikat arts. Moreover, in our latest project “Threads of Tradition: Fostering Cultural Ties Through Ikat Art,” we have addressed the environmental impacts of the fashion industry and educated audiences about sustainable fabric dyeing techniques. Thus, our projects and events aim to develop socioeconomic ties with different countries and cultures worldwide.

With this in mind, our group at CCD-NL hopes to create space for cultural and sustainable development, while also strengthening socioeconomic ties with countries worldwide. We hope that our vision and activities will create a lasting impact for future generations.