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j.backus [at] dutchculture.nl
Spain
Spain and the Netherlands
Spanish art and culture are renowned internationally for being diverse, innovative and exciting, both in the past and in the present. With historical references like Cervantes, Goya, Gaudí, Dalí, Picasso and Lorca, and top notch museums like the Prado, Reina Sofia and MACBA, the Spanish audience is culturally educated and culture loving in general. Its contemporary arts and cultural sector is known for its strengths in cinema, audiovisual productions, fashion, music, and architecture, with key players like Pedro Almodóvar, Alex Pina Calafi, Ana Locking, Rosalía and Santiago Calatrava.
Spain and the Netherlands have longstanding historical, commercial and cultural ties. However, in the past couple of years, collaboration between the two countries on the big topics of today, like climate change and the energy crisis, has taken a flight. Problems like depopulation of rural areas, social integration, inequality, climate change, water shortages and diversity & inclusion are just a few examples of the challenges our societies face. It is the aim of the Dutch international cultural policy to foster the exchange of knowledge and experience between our countries, particularly in the art and cultural areas where we can contribute to a better tomorrow and where both countries complement each other. In order for that to happen, we seek collaboration with strategic partners in the culture and arts sector in Spain.
High demand
Spain and the Netherlands share a long history of working together in culture (tenth place on average in the overview of Dutch activities abroad in recent years). Since 2021, when Spain was designated a focal country in Dutch international cultural policy again, the Netherlands has invested in rebuilding networks with Spanish cultural institutions.
The Dutch cultural and arts sector is regarded as a frontrunner and innovative in areas like architecture, design, fashion, contemporary dance and jazz, but also in art education. However, opportunities for collaboration can be found in other areas as well, like Dutch literature and visual arts. Read more…
Information & advice
Would you like to receive more information regarding opportunities for cultural exchange with Spain? Feel free to contact our Spain advisor Josine Backus with your questions for tailored advice.
Further reading
Advisor
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Year:
Spain at a glance
665 registered activities in 2023
featuring 278 artists
featuring 278 artists
Number of activities
12 months (2023)
12 months (2023)
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Frequently asked questions
- Where can I find funding within the Netherlands?
In the Netherlands, there are various funding opportunities available for artists, cultural practitioners and organisations with international ambitions. You can find a first overview on our Funding Support page. For a more extensive overview, see our Cultural Mobility Funding Guide.
Heritage
International Heritage Cooperation is part of the Netherlands’ international cultural policy. The embassies of the Netherlands in the partner countries have a budget for supporting local cultural heritage projects. DutchCulture manages a Matching Fund. Dutch legal entities (companies and registered freelancers) are able to apply for partial funding for an international heritage cooperation project.
DutchCulture supports sustainable Dutch-European heritage cooperation by supporting and facilitating (international) expert meetings and exchanges while underlining the European context of heritage. The Europe + Heritage programme offers advice, a travel grant scheme and a support grant scheme for European heritage cooperation.
- Where can I find funding within Spain?
Embassy of the Netherlands in Madrid
The Dutch embassy in Madrid supports cultural projects. Proposals will be assessed based on the expected impact (see for more information what the aim is of the Dutch international culture policy in Spain) and visibility. With their extensive network in the Spanish cultural sector and knowledge of its cultural institutions and organisations, the embassy can advise on opportunities for cooperation. In addition, they can provide grants to Spanish cultural institutions that present Dutch cultural works in Spain, for projects that strengthen collaboration between cultural and creative organisations of both countries or that support the exposure to a new audience by Dutch creatives in Spain. The embassy can also advise Dutch cultural organisations about the do's and don’ts of cultural management in Spain. You can contact the Dutch embassy here.
Spanish public funding
In Spain, artists and cultural institutions can apply for subsidy programmes on national, regional or municipal level. The majority of those programmes are open to organizations registered in Spain or Spanish citizens/residents, but those requirements may differ per region or municipality. In order to be able to apply to one of the available programmes, it may be necessary to have a Spanish partner (organization). It is important to do your research about a potential partner (organization). In case of doubts, you ask the Dutch embassy in Madrid for advice.
Spanish private funding
Some major private companies like La Caixa and Telefonica have separate foundations that offer funding for cultural projects. In many cases, a Spanish partner (organization) may also be necessary in order to apply.
- Are there funding opportunities within Europe?
Creative Europe
Creative Europe (2021-2027) is the seven-year support programme by the European commission for the cultural and audio-visual sector, and consists of two subprogrammes: Culture and MEDIA. The Creative Europe Desk of the Netherlands is part of DutchCulture. Be aware that there are many strict conditions to be considered before applying for this programme. The cooperation also has to consists of at least three European countries, e.g. a cooperation between only France and the Netherlands is therefore not eligible.
For an extensive overview of the funds available see the CulturEU Funding Guide.
Further funding opportunities
These two funding guides can help you on your way: Fund-Finder a guide to funding opportunities for arts and culture in Europe, beyond Creative Europe (published by IETM in English) and the
EU Subsidiewijzer (published by Creative Europe Desk NL in Dutch)- How can I promote my work in Spain?
It is a good idea to engage local publicists, that have an understanding of your art discipline, audience and region. The cultural department of the Dutch embassy in Madrid can help you find network or decide to promote your work through their channels.
Make sure to contact the embassy to let them know about your projects. Do not forget to create a My DC account, where you can add your activities to our Cultural Database. This way you will be included in our database and become part of our network.
- How can I find a residency, a venue at which to perform or an exhibition space?
Through the DutchCulture database, you can find out which artists from the Netherlands have worked at which venues, and start your research there. You can search by discipline, country, and city.
For residencies, DutchCulture's TransArtists is a great research tool. In order to successfully build an international career, and in order to find sustainable partners in a country, it is always wise to spend more than a few days somewhere. Residencies, which can last from a couple of weeks up to several months, can help you achieve this.
- How can I keep up to date with any news concerning cultural work in Spain?
The embassy of the Netherlands in Spain is active on different social media platforms like Instagram. Follow them on one or more platforms and stay up-to-date about the latest news, new opportunities, and events.
- Are there specific things to keep in mind when it comes to safety in Spain?
For the most recent travel advice to Spain, please see the website of the Dutch government (in Dutch).
