About us

1 January 2013 marked the start of the new supporting organisation of the Dutch international cultural policy, a merger of SICA, Trans Artists and Media Desk Netherlands. On this page, as well as on our News page, we will keep you updated about the developments related to the merger.

The new supporting organisation of the Dutch international cultural policy strengthens and stimulates international activities in the areas of culture, media and heritage. The organisation connects, informs and advises the cultural sector, the international network of embassies, governments and civil society.

Our activities have been subdivided into five desks: Trans Artists Desk, Europe Desk, Foreign Affairs Desk, Cultural Heritage Desk and SICA Desk. These desks hold their own expertise and offer specific products and services to various consumers, both inside and outside the cultural sector.

Foreign Affairs Desk
This desk focuses on facilitating the Dutch embassies abroad, informing international partners about developments in the Dutch cultural field, and stimulates collaborations between the Netherlands and international partners with a visitors program and the Arts Holland Magazine.

Europe Desk
This desk informs about opportunities to apply for EU funding for projects related to culture, media and citizenship and offers support when applying for funding. The Europe Desk informs the Dutch cultural field about the important developments in European cultural policymaking and brings together the strengths of the Cultural Contact Point (CCP), Europe for Citizens Point (ECP) en de MEDIA Desk Nederland. EUNIC Netherlands is also part of this cluster.

SICA Desk
This desk collects information connected to cultural cooperation such as the knowledge databases from the digital Cultural Exchange Platform and the cultural mappings of Brazil, Turkey and China. ‘Buitengaats’ is also part of this desk; a database where all data related to Dutch cultural activities abroad is gathered.

Cultural Heritage Desk
This desk informs the Dutch field of cultural heritage on developments in international policymaking, and stimulates collaboration within the international field of cultural heritage. The Cultural Heritage desk manages the international visitors program and the Matching Fund in the framework of ‘Gemeenschappelijk Cultureel Erfgoed. The tasks of the former Erfgoed Nederland are now part of the Cultural Heritage Desk.

Trans Artists Desk
This desk stimulates and informs about cultural mobility for artists, with a strong focus on artist-in-residence opportunities. Here you can find all about facts, use and value of international artist-in-residence programs as well as other cultural opportunities for artists to stay and work elsewhere.

The organisation is based in Amsterdam and houses 33 staff members (22 FTE). Momentarily we operate from different locations, but a move of offices, a new corporate identity and accessory communication tools are all being prepared. We expect to move into the new office in the spring of 2013. For the time being, we can be reached via the current contact details.