Jeroen Derwort visited D66’s parliamentary group in the Dutch House of Representatives on behalf of the Dutch Games Association (DGA). He met Heera Dijk, the group’s spokesperson for Arts and Culture. Their conversation focused on the Dutch games industry, particularly games as a cultural medium and support for young creators.
Games as culture
Games bring together disciplines including visual design, music, storytelling and interaction. They allow creators to express ideas that people can play, as well as see and hear. The discussion centred on how to give that cultural value greater recognition and how game creators can be encouraged and supported.
Supporting young creators
The position of young creators was an important topic. How can emerging talent be given the space to develop ideas, find a distinctive voice and grow professionally? That focus on development and support connects the games industry with education.
Dijk brings her own experience in education: before becoming an MP, she taught ICT at The Hague University of Applied Sciences. Derwort found her engagement with the subject and the opportunities for young creators to be sincere.
A subject that matters to GameLab
The themes discussed connect with GameLab’s work, where students receive guidance in developing games and exploring their own ideas. Space for experimentation, craftsmanship and the development of talent is essential to that work.
Through the visit, the DGA brought the cultural significance of games and the position of young creators directly to the attention of D66’s parliamentary group.