Cultural cooperation Suriname-Netherlands 2025-2028

Suriname, as one of the focal countries of Dutch international cultural policy, occupies a unique position. More than 300 years of (post)colonial history connect the two countries in complex yet irrevocable ways. Dutch culture needs no introduction to Surinamese people, and there is no language barrier, as Dutch is the common language. There are strong familial and cultural ties with the Surinamese diaspora, as well as cultural connections with the Caribbean part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, and with other focal countries such as Ghana, India, Indonesia, China, and Brazil.

The cultural richness of Suriname makes collaboration appealing, not only due to the presence of historical sites and monuments - including UNESCO World Heritage - but also in (performing) arts and crafts, among others. Dutch restitution policy regarding colonial collections offers opportunities for collaboration in provenance research, for example, between museums and other collection-holding institutions. The Surinamese cultural sector is creative and entrepreneurial, and can align with sustainable practices and solutions for social issues. The small scale of the sector contributes to the good visibility of Surinamese-Dutch cultural activities, but there is, at the same time, a small target audience. Additionally, there are limited opportunities from Suriname to contribute financially.

In the policy period 2025-2028, the collaboration with Suriname will focus on heritage on the one hand, and on arts and culture on the other. Strengthening the relationship between Suriname and the Netherlands is the key priority. Sustainability, diversity and inclusion, social justice, and impact are important themes in this cooperation.

In terms of heritage cooperation with Suriname, there are opportunities for projects and activities that contribute to raising awareness about the importance of preserving (intangible) cultural heritage - especially in relation to the history of slavery and colonialism. In order to make heritage cooperation sustainable, strengthening the heritage sector in Suriname - through equal partnerships with Surinamese heritage organisations and communities - is a prerequisite.

 A key focus area is establishing a foundation that builds on existing structures and actors, for the return of cultural artefacts to Suriname that were brought to the Netherlands during the colonial period.

Important Dutch partners in heritage cooperation include the National Archives of the Netherlands and the Cultural Heritage Agency of the Netherlands (RCE). Suriname and the Netherlands have been working closely together for years in the field of archives, particularly with the National Archives of Suriname. The RCE collaborates in Suriname with partners on various projects, including maritime heritage research, the preservation of the historic city centre of Paramaribo, and in the field of museums and collections (through the Colonial Collections Consortium).

The focus on the intangible heritage of various cultural communities in Suriname has also increased in the past years. This is partly due to the heightened attention and public debate about the Dutch colonial past – especially the history of slavery - which was fueled by the Slavery Memorial Year (2023-2024). For example, KIEN (Dutch Centre for Intangible Cultural Heritage) is involved in supporting NAKS Organisation for Community Work with the inventorying of Afro-Surinamese intangible cultural heritage. Another example is the valuable experience gained from involving local heritage communities and professionals in the exhibition on Anton de Kom at the Open Air Museum Fort Nieuw Amsterdam. In collaboration with the Dutch Open Air Museum and KIEN, the exhibition on Anton de Kom, previously exhibited in the Dutch Open Air Museum, was redesigned through the eyes of Surinamese society (versurinamiseerd).

In the field of arts and culture, it is important that the collaboration between Dutch and Surinamese cultural practitioners and organisations takes place on the basis of equality, reciprocity, and respect. There are opportunities for cultural cooperation and exchange that contribute to mutual understanding, especially if these also help strengthen the cultural sector in Suriname.

In recent years, there has been collaboration across various art disciplines, particularly in the fields of performing arts, film, and cultural participation, alongside disciplines such as literature and visual arts, where continuation is expected. The intensification of financial resources, for example through the Cultural Participation Fund and the DNB Fund (since 2023, with a 10-year term), has enabled many new projects in addition to existing schemes. In the current period, opportunities for artists' residencies across different art disciplines will continue. Additionally, there will be increased focus on strengthening collaborations within the creative industries.

50 years of independence in 2025
In the context of Suriname's 50th anniversary of independence, various projects and activities are expected. One example is Doculab 10 for 50, for which ten documentaries will premiere at the end of 2025 (Netherlands Film Fund x The Back Lot).

Human rights and (gender) equality
Projects and activities that help to promote human rights and contribute to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly in the areas of gender equality (women’s and LGBTIQA+ rights) and reducing inequality are welcomed. This includes harnessing the voices and talents of women in music, theatre, and crafts, as well as encouraging the empowerment of women and vulnerable minorities by providing equal opportunities in the creative industries, arts, and media. It also involves using culture to foster social cohesion through projects that celebrate ethnic diversity, tolerance, and equality.

Geographical focus
Caribbean part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands
For cultural cooperation with Suriname, there is particular emphasis on the Caribbean part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands. A shared history and cultural similarities provide opportunities for collaboration, along with shorter travel distances, which in turn offer greater possibilities for sustainable partnerships.

Ghana
With the inclusion of Ghana as a newly added focal country in the international cultural policy 2025-2028, there is potential for valuable partnerships to emerge for the Surinamese cultural sector. Ghana, as the original homeland of a significant part of the Surinamese population, and by extension the Afro-Surinamese diaspora in the Netherlands, presents interesting opportunities to explore shared cultural heritage.

Would you like to receive more information regarding opportunities for cultural exchange with Suriname? Feel free to contact our advisor Josine Backus with your questions.

• Go (back) to the main country page for Suriname
• Webpage of the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Suriname
• Follow the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Suriname on Facebook
• Travel advice to Suriname (in Dutch) 

The Dutch embassy in Paramaribo plays a significant advisory role for Dutch artists and cultural institutions with regard to collaboration and exchange with Suriname. Additionally, the embassy provides (limited) support for project applications and partially contributes to larger institutional cultural projects or activities.