Cultural The Hague: from art academy to international success

The KABK Graduation Show 2024, where emerging artistic talent takes the spotlight. (Photo: Michal Betta)

The Hague – With a new generation of students graduating from the Royal Academy of Art (KABK) this week, The Hague reaffirms its role as a fertile ground for artistic talent. The city not only produces tomorrow’s artists but also offers ample space for their growth and development.

Although The Hague is best known as the political capital of the Netherlands, nestled among palaces, squares, and the coastline lies a vibrant and surprisingly rich arts scene. One of its most vital incubators is the Royal Academy of Art (KABK), where every year new creatives take their first steps into the professional field.

From 3 to 8 July, the latest generation of artists will present themselves during the KABK Graduation Show, held at the academy building on Prinsessegracht. Open to the public, this exhibition provides a unique window into the minds of young creators. Many will continue their artistic journey after graduating—just like two artists currently making waves in the city and far beyond.

An installation at the KABK Graduation Show 2024. (Photo: Michal Betta)

From Academy to Museum

One such alumna is Scarlett Hooft Graafland, who graduated in textile design in 1999. Today, she is internationally renowned for her poetic and surreal landscape photography. “At the KABK, I had the freedom to experiment endlessly; nothing needed to be finished, and we could try out all kinds of techniques. That was invaluable. It laid the foundation for my work,” she says.

To document her installations, Scarlett increasingly turned to photography, which eventually became her primary discipline. She has travelled to Iceland, Yemen and Bolivia to create her art.

Since 2018, she has taken her photography to a new level by incorporating colourful embroidery, reconnecting with her textile roots from The Hague. Scarlett’s current exhibition Mesmerizing showcases highlights from her 30-year career, including several embroidered works.

She adds, “Now, years later, back in my familiar The Hague with a solo exhibition at Museum Panorama Mesdag, I feel deeply honoured. I’ve noticed the art scene is more vibrant than ever, with many more spaces for contemporary art.”

Scarlett Hooft Graafland in the Salar Desert, Bolivia. (Photo: Gaston Ugalde)

International Appeal

While Scarlett set off around the world after graduating, many students from across the globe are drawn specifically to The Hague for their arts education. Two-thirds of KABK students come from abroad.

“They choose this city for the quality of the education, the creative atmosphere, and the academy’s reputation,” says Meher Khan Muztar, Head of Communications and Marketing at the KABK. “And many who graduate end up staying. Thanks to coaching and support from organisations like iii (instrument inventors initiative), Pulchri Studio, and Stroom Den Haag, the city offers not only a starting point but also an artistic future.”

British Artistic Talent

One such example is Jacob Wallett, a British graduate in ArtScience (2023), who explores creativity in a completely different way. With his playful installations of everyday objects, he challenges the boundary between artwork and utility. “I came to The Hague to explore the intersection of science and art.”

He was also drawn to the city’s strong reputation for underground experimental art. “During my studies, I discovered a thriving scene for young artists, thanks to a mix of small exhibition spaces, affordable studios, and robust financial support,” he explains.

Jacob Wallett in his studio. (Photo: Ayşe Emre)

Growing in The Hague

Financial support is something the KABK takes very seriously. During the Graduation Show, various juries from cultural organisations award prizes. Jacob received a cash award for his graduation project, impressing the panel from Stichting tot Steun.

This helped him expand his artistic network in The Hague. His work includes collaborations and building exhibitions for, among others, Rewire Festival 2025, Page Not Found, and the KABK itself.

He also co-founded Patch Studio, a collective workspace in the Binckhorst district, which quickly grew into a lively hub focused on experimentation and collaboration.

Jacob continues: “I see my role in the arts as a collaborator and organiser—not just a maker. That’s why I’m proud Patch Studio has just become an official association. Studios like these are vital to neighbourhoods; they generate creative and economic activity and deserve greater recognition and support.”

A Vibrant Infrastructure

Thanks to initiatives like Jacob’s and those of many other KABK alumni, The Hague has developed a thriving arts infrastructure that nurtures ongoing talent development. Small galleries like Page Not Found, Quartair, and 1646 offer space for experimentation, while larger institutions such as KM21, Stroom, and Pulchri Studio remain closely engaged with new artistic developments.

A new online platform—haagsebroedplaatsen.nl—now offers information about collective and creative initiatives led by professional artists and cultural makers in The Hague. The platform is maintained by the initiatives themselves, in collaboration with The Hague’s creative space liaison, Ria de Waal.

The aim is to inform interested parties and connect local creatives. Ria notes: “I often hear from artists and makers that The Hague has a very welcoming creative climate, marked by openness, collaboration, and strong support.”

Graduation Showcase 

Thanks to its strong cultural ecosystem, international appeal, and space for innovation, The Hague has grown into a lasting springboard for creative talent. With the annual KABK Graduation Show approaching, now is the perfect moment to discover The Hague’s flourishing art scene. If you can’t attend the shows in person, you can explore a treasure trove of alumni work in the KABK Graduation Catalogue archives.

Click here to register for the Graduation Show (Thursday 3 July to Tuesday 8 July).