Cultural cooperation France-Netherlands 2025-2028

In France, culture is an integral part of society and an important element of French identity and the political and social discourse. Public spending on culture in France is the highest in the European Union, and French cultural institutions and festivals command international attention.

A cultural network between France and the Kingdom has been evolving throughout many years, especially in cultural disciplines such as visual arts, photography, literature, design and performance art. The close proximity of France, at least for makers living in the Netherlands, make France an appealing playground for cultural exchange and collaboration. The Atelier Néerlandais, located in Paris since 2014, stimulates an international network of makers, organisations and cultural entrepreneurs (more information below). Besides that, the Van Doesburg house, an artist residency in Meudon close to Paris, is a well-known studio-house. Each year, makers from the Kingdom in the field of visual arts, design, architecture, literature and the performing arts, can apply for a residency via open calls by the Rijkscultuurfondsen.

Beyond Paris: Exploring France's regions
For some, Paris may seem the only place to be in France when it comes to cultural activities and a buzzing artistic climate, but there are many opportunities for presentation and cooperation in de regions as well. The competition in Paris is fierce, so it is worthwhile to look at opportunities in other cities. Bordeaux, Lille, Strasbourg and Marseille for example have rich and vibrant cultural scenes. Cities like these actively address themes such as city renewal, diversity and cultural dialogue, which are prominent themes in the Kingdom as well.

To strengthen collaboration between Northern France and the Netherlands, an agreement was signed with the Hauts-de-France region, which also includes a road-map for intensified cultural exchange between, among others, visual art and photography institutions. The proximity to the Netherlands and existing network offer new opportunities for makers looking for collaboration in the Hauts-de-France region.
 

Focus on visual art, the creative industries and social impact
There is great interest among French programmers in the innovative and interdisciplinary approach that characterizes the cultural sector in the Kingdom. The appreciation for “big names” in for instance fashion, fine art, photography and architecture, also generates curiosity for newer generations and emerging makers.

Moreover, the importance of socially engaged art and culture has increasingly been underlined. This includes cultural projects that address topics like sustainability, colonial restitution and inclusion. In the years to come, the focus on connecting societal themes and the cultural fields of France and the Kingdom continues.

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

The embassy maintains a wide professional network of cultural institutions throughout France and works to raising interest in and exploring the opportunities for makers and organisations from the Kingdom. In the coming four years, the embassy focuses primarily on supporting cultural collaborations in the visual arts (including photography) and design sector. Next to that, the embassy welcomes requests from French organisations in the fields of performing arts, film and literature (with a focus on graphic/comic novels and children/youth books).

A special role is played by the Atelier Néerlandais, which since 2014 has provided a platform in Paris for Dutch entrepreneurs, institutions and creators in the creative industries, who want to position themselves in the French market. Its nearly 200 members can use the Atelier as a workplace, to receive clients, and to organize networking events, showrooms and exhibitions. The Atelier is also used to present the Kingdom at major Paris art, design and photography fairs and for collaborations with Dutch and French cultural institutions.

• Go (back) to the main country page for France
• Webpages of the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in France in Dutch and in French
• Follow the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in France on Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn.
• The Atelier Néerlandais can also be found on Instagram and Facebook