International Cultural Policy

The Netherlands’ international cultural policy aims to enhance the international cultural profile of the Netherlands and to develop the cultural relations with a number of specific countries and regions.

The priorities for international cultural policy for the period 2009-2012 are:

• focus on the promotion of Dutch areas of excellence: design, fashion and architecture;
• geographic focus on culture;
• presence at major international cultural manifestations;
• shared cultural heritage;
• culture and international development.

You can find an extensive description of these priorities in the policy letter 2009-2012: Art Without Borders.

The Ministry of Education, Culture and Science (OCW) and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (BZ) have joint responsibility for the Netherlands’ international cultural policy. This policy is implemented, among others, by the culture funds, the sector institutes and SICA. The Dutch embassies and consulates abroad function as the promoters and supporters of international cultural cooperation.

The culture funds are responsible for allocating financial support for international projects within the framework of international cultural policy. It is not possible to apply directly to the ministries for subsidies.

The Dutch embassies abroad have access to limited funds for supporting small-scale projects. Only local organisations established in the country in question can apply for this support.