Anniversary: 25 years of digital transformation with DEN
In 1999, DEN (formerly Digital Heritage Netherlands) was founded with one clear goal: to make the cultural sector future-proof with digital tools. That goal remains, but the world has changed incredibly in the meantime.
From the transition from paper to digital, to connecting sectors and enriching the experience for visitors - over the past 25 years, DEN has worked on these and other digital challenges. But what does this mean for the future? Anic van Damme spoke with former directors Jos Taekema, Marco de Niet, and current director Maaike Verberk. They share their perspectives in an inspiring retrospective and a strategic look forward in the video below.
Digital transformation
Our society is becoming increasingly digital. From home, we book trips, shop online, read the digital newspaper, and go to the home cinema. Almost all sectors are transitioning from physical to digital or seeking a hybrid form. We call this digital transformation. It's time for the cultural sector to step in, we believe at DEN.
Whether you work at a museum, theater, pop venue, library, or heritage organization, we are here for every cultural institution. We do this in many ways. With training, in-company sessions, research, online inspiration sessions, and of course as much practical content as possible on our site. We help cultural institutions prepare for the audience of the future and remain relevant in a changing society.
Culture always, everywhere, and for everyone
By fully utilizing the opportunities of the digital society, the cultural sector ensures that culture is always and everywhere around us, and everyone can create, share, and experience culture. Cultural professionals are the leaders in this digital transformation. From staff members or educators to managers, directors, or creators.
When you are aware of the possibilities of digital, you can take steps to find, engage, and captivate the audience. Now and in the future. DEN provides you with new skills and knowledge to help you with this. Be inspired, experiment with digital offerings, optimize processes, exchange knowledge, and inspire others to work more innovatively. Together we take steps in the process of digital transformation, within your organization or independent work practice, and in the sector.
Curious about what we can do for you? Check out our knowledge & inspiration page.
For, by, and with each other
In addition to cultural professionals and organizations, DEN focuses on the surrounding ecosystem that organizations need to truly move forward digitally. We do this through a (inter)national network of organizations inside and outside the cultural sector, such as sector organizations, knowledge institutions, governments, funds, public-private collaborations with tech startups, game and media companies, etc. Together with these parties, we ensure financial, policy, content, and legal conditions to make digital transformation successful. Together we realize our vision in which digital makes culture always and everywhere more accessible to everyone.
DEN annual report and codes
DEN follows the Governance Code Culture and publishes the latest substantive and financial annual reports. Here you will find all annual reports since 2015. In addition, we are committed to the Code Diversity & Inclusion and endorse the Fair Practice Code.
