Cultural cooperation United Kingdom-Netherlands 2025-2028

The United Kingdom is an important partner to the Kingdom of the Netherlands, sharing for instance a sea, similar values and international relations that go back centuries. Brexit has challenged the relationship between the UK and the EU including the Kingdom. The cultural sector in the UK has been dealing with the exclusion from EU (funding) programmes, its departure from Creative Europe, new regulations regarding work visas and the change in customs rules on the import and export of cultural goods. Over the past few years, makers and cultural organisations had to deal with this reality, while British cultural institutions and artists have been clear in their commitment in working with European counterparts. With its open-minded audiences, museums full of world class art and vibrant contemporary art scene, the UK remains an interesting partner for the Kingdom.

Each nation (England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland) has its own government, cultural policies and funding bodies. Trends and news in the cultural sector are usually structured and communicated by the arts councils of each country. It is therefore useful to consult the websites of Arts Council England, Creative Scotland, Arts Council of Wales and Arts Council of Northern Ireland and to sign up to their newsletter to keep up to date with developments.

In general, given the stiff competition in London, we advise to consider partners and places outside of London. Cities such as Manchester, Leeds, Birmingham, Cardiff, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Bristol or Liverpool have their own vibrant cultural scenes, festivals and programmes that are worth exploring.

The UK and the Kingdom share recurrent trends in the cultural sector, such as climate action, cultural education and participation, inclusion, diversity and decolonisation. The UK is pioneering in various fields of expertise, which will be briefly explored below.

Climate/sustainability
The intersection of culture, climate and sustainability is taken very seriously in the UK and has been a growing area of focus, especially in recent years. Initiatives such as Julie's Bicycle and Culture for Climate Scotland believe in the role of arts and culture in contributing to climate action and address the importance of sustainability in their advice and trainings for the cultural sector and international collaborations.
 
Creative health and well-being
Compared to other countries, the UK puts quite a strong focus on arts and health projects, with organizations like Arts Council England and public health agencies advocating and supporting arts-based interventions for (mental-) health. Creative health typically refers to the integration of arts and culture practices into health and well-being, including activities connecting to visual and performing arts, crafts, film and literature. In addition to that, well-being among cultural workers and a healthy working environment is also considered crucial. An example is the usage of well-being facilitators or intimacy coordinators on film productions with the aim to preserve crew mental health and safer working environments.

Equality, inclusion and equal access in the arts
Diversity, equity, and inclusion is a priority within the British cultural sector. Institutions are working to diversify their programming, staff, boards and audiences, often by partnering up with underrepresented communities. Tradition narratives are challenged, and inclusivity is promoted steadily. For example, the "Pay what you can" pricing model has gained popularity in the UK as a way to make arts and cultural events more accessible to a wider audience.

Regeneration and Place-Making
Regeneration involves the revitalization of areas through investment, infrastructure and cultural programming, whereas place-making describes the process of creating quality public spaces contributing to people's health and well-being. Both are means to foster community resilience, economic growth and social inclusion. By investing in the creative industry of cities, public art, and for instance community-led projects, places become more attractive.

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 occasionally supports cultural collaborations between the Kingdom and the UK. While they are open to finance projects in partnership with highly regarded cultural institutions, in all kinds of disciplines, there is a focus on diversity and inclusion, sustainability and making arts accessible to everybody. Moreover, the embassy welcomes especially projects, which are carried out outside of London and aim to build long-term relationships. Makers and organisations are invited to think about the incorporation of the Sustainable Development Goals as well as goals of the International Cultural Policy 2025-2028 in their projects.

• Go (back) to the main country page for the United Kingdom
• Webpage of the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in the UK
• Follow the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in the UK on social media