Cultural Impact

Our research, data analysis and mappings reveal the impact of international cultural collaboration and offer insight into its artistic, social and economic value.

Our study, The impact of international cultural cooperation - Beyond the borders, beyond the figures, shows that investing in international cultural collaboration not only delivers artistic and societal value but also contributes substantially to the Dutch economy. It is serious business: the Dutch art and culture sector contributes approximately €14 billion to the national GDP (1.5% of the total). Within this, international cultural cooperation generates up to €10.6 billion in annual added value, which is several times the amount invested: €3.6 billion directly and up to €7.0 billion indirectly through sectors such as hospitality, business services and suppliers.

These findings underline that international exchange is valuable in itself and strengthens the broader cultural and economic ecosystem. They further show that investing in it is not only meaningful but also strategically important.

How can this report support your work? It brings together figures and evidence that can strengthen funding applications, partnerships and advocacy for your international activities.

The Cultural Database is a unique tool that tracks cultural activities around the world and across disciplines by makers and professionals in the creative and cultural sectors from or based in the Kingdom of the Netherlands. Each year, we publish mappings and fact sheets that show where makers are working, which disciplines are active and how international collaboration develops over time. We also provide country-specific insights for the 24 focal countries.

Use these insights to position your work, identify trends and explore new opportunities.

Looking for a tailored overview of international activities by creators and cultural organisations from your region, province or city? We can also focus on a specific artistic discipline or country. Whether you need these data to support a funding application, policy development or strategic choices, feel free to contact our Advice Desk about a tailor-made analysis.

Are you a cultural or creative professional who took part in international cultural activities or projects? Or did you or your cultural organisation collaborate with a partner abroad? We would love to hear from you.

Each year, we collect all activities worldwide by cultural and creative professionals, makers, and organisations based in or from the Kingdom of the Netherlands into our Cultural Database. With your help, we can build a clearer picture of the international work of the whole sector and the impact of cultural collaboration across borders. We also use this information to make a case for the importance of funding in the cultural sector.

Contributing also benefits you directly. It gives you insight into your field and your discipline, helps you find potential partners and offers inspiration from what others are doing worldwide. This can support your own international ambitions. In addition, it gives you insight into the field and your discipline, helps you find project partners, and offers inspiration from what other professionals are doing. This can support your own international ambitions.

You can submit your international projects year-round, including those from previous years. We can no longer add these to past editions of our mappings, but your submission still helps complete the database. This gives us a clearer picture of the real impact of international cultural cooperation.

Our database is free and publicly accessible to the cultural sector.