Cultural cooperation Belgium-Netherlands 2025-2028

Our database shows that in 2024, 1286 events took place in Belgium with a cultural partner from the Kingdom of the Netherlands. This makes Belgium one of the top 5 countries worldwide in which makers work in. Due to its proximity and the shared language, culture and history, Belgium simply is a wonderful first step for makers on their path to an international career.

There are many partnerships between Dutch and Flemish institutions that go back several years. The embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Belgium has long-term connections with the shared Dutch-Flemish institutions Huis deBuren and Taalunie, but also with the largest cultural funds in the Kingdom, such as Mondriaan Fund and the Performing Arts Fund NL. However, funding does not only come from the Dutch side - Belgian funds such as Flanders Audiovisual Fund, Flanders Literature and Flanders Architecture Institute also support cultural projects between Belgium and the Kingdom.

Cultural landscapes
Belgium and the Kingdom of the Netherlands share similarities, and the cultural sectors are definitely interwoven, thinking for instance of the theatre and literature sector. Networks have been built for decades, and and exchange takes place through shared magazines like Gonzo (circus) and De lage landen. Co-productions, for example in the film sector, can be witnessed frequently, and many Dutch makers even live in Belgium to develop their practice further and to broaden their network.

However, there are differences that should not be forgotten, such as the governance structure of both countries. In the Netherlands, the Randstad (Amsterdam, Rotterdam, The Hague, Utrecht) is still seen as the cultural centre, whereas Belgium is more decentralized. In Flanders, for example, arts and culture are oftentimes organized by city councils and the so-called cultuurhuizen (cultural centres), who work quite independently and are responsible for their own programming.

While Flanders and the Brussels area can be attractive for especially Dutch speaking makers as a first stepping stone, Wallonia and East Belgium should not be overlooked. Those regions have their own interesting cultural scenes with strong links to Germany and France. Cultural organisations there are increasingly interested in collaborations with makers from the Kingdom.

Food for thought in the future
Many of the socially relevant topics in the Kingdom of the Netherlands such as sustainability, equality, fair pay and digitalisation are also present in Belgium. Both countries have a significant immigrant population and therefore a multicultural society. Wider societal struggles such as drought and water policy or the process of decolonization provide inspiration for makers in both countries to stimulate debates and offer solutions through art and culture.

Circuscentrum: Knowledge & support centre for circus in Flanders
CineSud: Film hub for talent and industry professionals in the heart of the Netherlands, Belgium and Germany
Cultuurloket: Providing legal, tax or financial information about working and doing business in culture in Flanders
DeBuren: Flemish-Dutch cultural organisation and forum for culture, society and politics
De Brakke Grond: Flemish theatre and exhibition space in Amsterdam
De lage landen: Magazine on cultural tendencies and trends in Flanders and the Netherlands with a particular focus on language, literature, history and art
FARO: Flemish support centre for cultural heritage
Flanders DC: Flemish center for design and fashion
Gonzo (circus): Flemish-Dutch magazine focusing on music, art, media and society
Kunstenpunt: Flemish support center for visual arts, performing arts and classical music
Taalunie: Develops and stimulates policy for the Dutch language in the Netherlands, Flanders and Suriname
Tegenstroom Film Festival: Short Film Festival for films from the Netherlands and Flanders
VI.BE: Flemish support center for artists and music sector
Vlaams Architectuurinstituut: Main contact point for information on architecture from Flanders and Brussels
Werkplaats Immaterieel erfgoed: Expertise center for intangible heritage in Flanders

Would you like to receive more information regarding opportunities for cultural exchange with Belgium? Feel free to contact our advisor Astrid Mörk with your questions.

• Go (back) to the main country page for Belgium
• Webpage of the Embassy of The Kingdom of the Netherlands in Belgium
• Embassy of The Kingdom of the Netherlands in Belgium on Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram.

Instead of looking at international cultural activities as export-driven only, the aim of the embassy 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. To do so, the embassy uses open calls several times a year, which are becoming increasingly popular. In 2024, the embassy granted 50 projects in Belgium. Important themes for cultural exchange are fair practice (diversity, solidarity and fair pay), sustainability and ecology, and innovative forms of cross-border exchange. Eligible for the open call are Belgian cultural professionals and organisations, who show work by/collaborate with makers based in the Kingdom of the Netherlands, including the Carribean Netherlands. Prioritised are projects within the creative industries, digital culture, performing arts, visual arts and heritage sector.