Regulation in the cultural sector

When you work in the cultural sector, as in many other sectors, you have to deal with various forms of regulations. Very thick books have been written about this and on this website we have listed a number of forms of regulations for you. Of course, this is never complete. When you want to realize an initiative or project, it is always advisable to do your own research and, if necessary, to involve a specialist or an expert. In this article we have listed some types of regulations for you.

Why is there regulation?

Some people think we already have far too many rules in the Netherlands. Yet it actually never hurts to abide by or observe rules. Rules are not invented to be annoying. They are there to make work easier, to make initiatives or projects safer or to make things run smoothly. You can also develop yourself from regulations because it is often very educational.

Who devises and implements regulations?

Regulations are often drawn up and monitored from the government or certain agencies. Sometimes regulations are set locally, such as in the General Municipal Bye-Law (APV), and agreements are laid down in the permit. Local parties are often good to talk to and they often have the tools to help you comply with the regulations. In other cases, regulations are laid down nationally or even at the European level. Think, for example, of the ban on alcohol for people under 18.

Safety

As an event organizer, in many cases you are responsible for the safety of employees, staff and any visitors. You also want to do everything possible to prevent damage to facilities or the venue. There are regulations around these issues, some of which vary by municipality. We have written a somewhat more in-depth article on safety in the cultural sector.

Fire regulations

When you organize an event, or want to carry out a project or initiative at a particular location, you will always have to deal with fire regulations. These relate to the fire safety of facilities and materials you use. In addition, these regulations allow you to better prevent fires from occurring on location. Also important in this is how you provide emergency exits or design your evacuation plan. Include these things in your safety plan. Always include fire extinguishers and emergency exits on a floor plan as well.

Regulations surrounding advertising

You obviously want to advertise your initiative or project in all kinds of ways. There are provisions you should take into account. Through the Advertising Code Foundation you can find more information about generally applicable rules on advertising. In Arnhem, for example, rules also apply to promotional actions in the streets(click here for more information). In addition, you may only distribute posters in existing locations and at designated placards in the municipality.

Alcohol and drugs

When carrying out your initiative or project, your visitors expect to be able to have a drink. In the Netherlands it is forbidden to serve alcohol to people under the age of 18. As an organizer, you are responsible for ensuring that this is enforced. If you are using an existing location with catering, it may be that the responsibility lies partly with the owner or manager of the location. Always make good agreements about this. Incidentally, the 18+ rule applies not only to visitors but also to employees and volunteers. Apart from age, people are not allowed to perform most activities while under the influence, apart from the fact that this often does not look neat. Drug use is prohibited in many cases and a zero tolerance policy is enforced by the municipality. So does the in the cultural sector.

Copyright and trademark law

It is important that you take care to protect what you create. This is especially true for people working in the cultural sector, since what you create is often the main source of income. We have written more about copyright and trademark law elsewhere on this website, and we have also found someone we can call an expert in this area.

If, from your expertise, you yourself have knowledge that would fit this topic, or if you see opportunities to improve this text, we look forward to receiving your message at info@cultuuracademy.nl.