Living Heritage, Lasting Impact 

Where Heritage and Economy Meet
Nadja van den Heuvel, Manager of Heritage and Culture at the Province of South Holland, witnesses this dynamic every day. “A concrete example of how heritage and economy can reinforce each other is the Maritime Industry Heritage Line. Along the waterfront from Hoek van Holland to Gorinchem, we work on the preservation, experience and connection of maritime heritage.” This includes warehouses, cranes and façades that showcase both the historic and current importance of shipping and industry. “By keeping these stories alive and linking them to the maritime sector’s future, heritage can strengthen the region’s economic value – and the economy, in turn, can give new meaning to heritage.”

Heritage is therefore not something of the past, but a tool for shaping the future. The province demonstrates this with the Biography of South Holland, an inspiring document that describes how the landscape was formed and how that history can guide future spatial development. “What we design today becomes the heritage of tomorrow,” says Nadja. “By learning from historic waterways and reclaimed land, we can design more climate-resilient water systems. By respecting historical structures, we give new living and working environments character and identity. That’s why we involve designers and creative thinkers early in spatial projects.”

Creative Skills, Human Impact
The creative sector plays a vital role in this process. Not only because artists and designers ignite imagination, but also because their way of thinking – associative, curious and boundary-pushing – is crucial in an era of complex societal challenges. “Creative skills drive innovation, even beyond the cultural field,” Nadja emphasises. “At the same time, the heritage sector urgently needs well-trained craftspeople to maintain our more than 9,000 national monuments. Restoration is a craft at risk of disappearing. That’s why we invest in training programmes and apprenticeships, giving young professionals the opportunity to learn directly from experienced restorers.”

Investing in culture also means investing in people. Numerous studies show that cultural participation directly contributes to health and well-being. “Whether it’s singing in a choir or taking part in local activities, culture keeps people active, connects generations and strengthens the mental resilience of young people,” says Nadja. “Libraries play an equally vital role. They open access to knowledge and help reduce illiteracy, thereby tackling inequality and expanding opportunities.” This interplay between creativity, craftsmanship and participation shows how culture strengthens both innovation and social cohesion.

Culture as Common Ground
The link between culture and broader social goals gains new strength through the Cultural Covenant 2025–2028, recently signed by the provinces, the national government and the Association of Dutch Municipalities. “With this covenant, we affirm that everyone should have the opportunity to develop creatively and culturally,” Nadja explains. “We recognise culture’s value for broad prosperity and share good practices. In South Holland, we bring policymakers together to exchange ideas. The connection between culture, health and youth care is especially important – art can help young people express emotions for which words sometimes fall short.”

This creates an integrated perspective in which culture is no longer a separate domain, but a source of connection between economy, health, education and spatial development. As Nadja aptly puts it: “Heritage and culture give meaning to the places we live – and inspiration for the future we want to build together.”