Cultural cooperation Italy-Netherlands

We are currently working on an update of this country page to align it with the new International Cultural Policy 2025-2028. Please be aware that the information below might be outdated.

The Dutch embassy in Rome and the consulate in Milan facilitate collaboration between Dutch and Italian partners. In addition to supporting cultural activities, including the development of new work, they establish and maintain contacts in relevant sectors and provide services to the cultural sector; from answering questions to helping with obtaining loans or finding good locations during major events, such as the Milan Design Week.
 
In recent years, the collaboration with Italy for the Netherlands has focused on architecture, design and literature. A strong network and a great deal of knowledge has been built up about these three sectors, and activities have ensured a strong Dutch profile in Italy. There are numerous examples of successful projects such as the renovation of the Dutch cemetery in Livorno, the rescue plan for Dutch Studies in Padua, the realisation of four murals by Dutch artists and the launch of the Italian edition of Mathijs Deen's book Down Old Roads (Over oude wegen) via successful podcasts.

• in Italy: Maxxi, Triennale, Salone del Mobile, Turin International Book Fair, Festivaletteratura Mantova, Bologna’s Children Book fair, Santarcangelo
• in the Netherlands: Het Nieuwe Instituut, Creative Industries Fund NL, Dutch Foundation for Literature, EYE, Mondriaan Fund, Performing Arts Fund, Cultural Heritage Agency of the Netherlands, DutchCulture, BNA, IABR, Taalunie

The number of focus areas in the Dutch cooperation with Italy has expanded from three (architecture, design and literature) with another six. The added themes – based on local demand – are ageing, multilingualism, child and youth culture, human rights, cooperation with Flanders and digitisation. This expansion provides the opportunity to work on a mix of disciplines and social themes and offers more opportunities for the Dutch cultural sector in Italy.

Most Italian-Dutch cooperation takes place with the northern regions which are the most productive economically, culturally and socially, and also because of major events like the Biennale, the Salone and the Triennale. At the same time, the goal is also to encourage projects in other regions like the south of the country where the cultural sector is more fragmented.

Points of attention are the expansion of the network within the focus areas so that relevant Italian organisations are informed about Dutch expertise and exchange opportunities; more cooperation between Dutch and Italian cultural organisations; and more new work and opportunities for Dutch makers in Italy.

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

• Go (back) to the main country page for Italy
• Webpage of the Embassy of The Kingdom of the Netherlands in Rome and the Consulate General in Milan
• Follow the diplomatic missions in Italy on social media
• Travel advice to Italy (in Dutch)