Cultural cooperation Belgium-Netherlands 2021-2024

Looking back: a long collaborative history

There are many partnerships between Dutch and Flemish institutions that go back several years. The Netherlands Embassy in Belgium has long-term connections with the shared Dutch-Flemish institutions Huis deBuren, de Taalunie and OnsErfdeel, but also with the largest cultural funds in the Netherlands. There are intensive collaborations with Mondriaan Fund, Performing Arts Fund NL and the Nieuwe Instituut. Examples of Belgian funds are the Flanders Audiovisual Fund, Flanders Literature and Flanders Architecture Institute. For all relevant organisations, visit the informative portal OverBruggen.

Building relationships between Wallonia and the Netherlands

The cultural field in Wallonia is increasingly interested in the opportunities in the Netherlands. In the current policy framework 2021-2024, The Netherlands Embassy in Brussels focuses on the cultural collaboration between the Netherlands and Wallonia. For instance, extra attention is paid to language and education by having ongoing conversations with the Belgium French Community and de Taalunie about introducing Dutch as mandatory language in schools.

Furthermore, to celebrate Dutch-Walloon cultural relations, in June 2023 the embassy and the city of Charleroi organized the multidisciplinary cultural festival Canaux, Pays-Bas x Pays Noir. Canaux was organized parallel to a state visit by the Dutch royal couple King Willem-Alexander and Queen Máxima. One of the highlights during the festival was the unveiling of the mural Rain Flowers, a collaborative work by comic artists Dido Drachman (NL) and Christian Durieux (BE). In 2024, there will be a special Open Call dedicated to projects in the Walloon region to stimulate further collaborations between Dutch artists and Walloon institutions.

School building with a colourful mural painting called Rain Flowers

Mural 'Rain Flowers' on Institut Saint-André Charleroi by Dido Drachman and Christian Durieux, Charleroi, Belgium

The art of exchange

Instead of looking at international cultural activities as export-driven only, the aim is to utilise the power of cultural exchange and co-production on a long-term basis. This includes organising network meetings, facilitating knowledge exchange and supporting projects financially. The Dutch diplomatic network in Belgium has been using Open Calls, and with 71 project proposals in 2021, 78 in 2022 and 102 so far in 2023, these are becoming increasingly popular. Important themes for cultural exchange are fair practice (diversity, solidarity and fair pay); sustainable and ecologically responsible internationalisation; and innovative forms of cross-border exchange. In addition, projects which are carried out in Wallonia and the Euregio are prioritized.

Shared past, shared future

Learning about the history of the Netherlands and Belgium allows to talk about the impact of the past on the future. Cultural and heritage projects play an important role in this discussion since artists can depict history in a different way, imagining alternatives for the future. The Dutch embassy (co-)organises debates on the colonial past and restitution policy. Moreover, together with Huis deBuren, they organized an event on the Flemish Canon, which was launched in May 2023.

Design & world issues

Lastly, we can hardly think about the creative sector and innovative design without the word ‘sustainability’ popping up. Indeed, for all artists, but perhaps particularly so for designers, the urgency has grown to address worldwide issues concerning the planet, human society and social relations. There is special support for the exchange on sustainable design by creatives, companies, citizens and other parties, to stimulate collaboration beyond the cultural field. After all, sustainable solutions for the challenges of today can be inspired and maybe even led by artists, yet people from different sectors and domains need to be involved. For instance, in 2023, the first museum for Circulaire Economy (MUCE) temporarily opened its door to visitors.

Information & advice

Would you like to receive more information regarding opportunities for cultural exchange with Belgium? Feel free to contact our  Belgium advisor Astrid Mörk with your questions. She can inform you about the latest developments in the country, relevant contacts, stages and other cultural venues.