On Monday, February 19, Pascal Gielen gave a talk about his book Vertrouwen, bouwen op het cultureel gemeen (Trust, building upon cultural commons). After the talk, there was a panel discussion led by Monique Schoonen with Provincial Commissioner of Culture Jo-Annes de Bat, chairman of Cultural Board Zeeland, Geert van Maanen, and director of Vleeshal, Roos Gortzak. The book presentation took place at the ZB library in Middelburg.

This talk was part of the Culturele Standplaats Zeeland. The Culturele Standplaats is an initiative of the ZB Library. During this multi-day event, the ZB invites cultural, social or scientific experts to share their knowledge. From 19 to 22 February, Vleeshal organized, together with the ZB, the Culturele Standplaats of 2024 with the theme: The intrinsic value of culture for Zeeland. To reflect on the conditions for a healthy cultural sector in Zeeland, Vleeshal invited writer and professor of cultural sociology Pascal Gielen. Gielen's research focuses on the political and social contexts of creative work. In 2024 he published the book Vertrouwen (Trust), in which he argues for giving cultural and social initiatives space and trusting them to handle their responsibilities. In two sessions - a panel discussion and a workshop - Gielen explored the cultural field of Zeeland with us.