The inaugural issue of the BizArts Buzz – the new monthly e-letter for Amsterdam’s Dutch/International community – is in subscriber’s inbox’s now, highlighting events and workshops coming up in June.  There’s a lot to get excited about – especially when one realizes that the Buzz can only list a selection of the exhibitions, performances, workshops and other events on offer.

In the 12 years since I arrived in the Netherlands, the acceptance of our English speaking community into  Amsterdam’s daily life has been unmistakable.  This is evidenced by the number of theater companies offering English surtitles for their performances – and even intrinsically Dutch institutions like the EYE Film Institute (note the English spelling of ‘EYE’) have recently begun offering international outreach programs in English.  Of course, there are always going to be low points, and some blow-back.  After all, xenophobia is a tough nut to crack, being in our genetic make-up and all.  Sometimes it does really seem that English is only accepted if we’re being sold something, and begrudged when we need something… But for the most part, even this sometimes grumpy girl sees a growing acceptance, in many circles, of our international community and the value – financially and culturally – we bring to the Dutch equation.

So, the first edition of the Buzz is significant, at least for me personally, because it’s a way of celebrating the many doors that are opening for us in this truly international city. Doors we’ve banged our heads against many a time, doors we ourselves have pushed open, with – and sometimes without – the help of our Dutch friends.   Because, however those doors get opened, we’re all in this together, aren’t we?  And isn’t it a lot more fun that way?

You can find the June 2013 edition of the Buzz here.  I hope it will help you to get out there and have some fun with your fellow Medelanders!