Dutch international cultural policy for the period 2021-2024: a strategic approach

Joint responsibility

Responsibility for the Netherlands’ international cultural policy is jointly shared by the Minister of Foreign Affairs (BZ), the Minister of Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation (BHOS) and the Minister of Education, Culture and Science (OCW). Every four years, the three ministers define the foundations, ambitions and objectives of a new international cultural policy.

Aims

the Dutch cultural sector will occupy a strong position abroad through visibility, exchanges and long-term partnerships. This will:
- result in inspiration, increased knowledge, enrichment, a wider audience and market expansion
- enhance the economic value of Dutch art and culture
Dutch cultural productions will be used to support bilateral relationships with other countries. This will
- strengthen the Netherlands’ position and reputation abroad
- foster dialogue about standards and values
- promote partnerships
- contribute to exchanges and dialogue, even with countries with which the Netherlands may have a complex relationship
we will harness the power of the cultural sector and creative industries in efforts to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly in connection with the BHOS agenda in our focus regions. This will:
- enable the cultural and creative sectors to contribute to achieving the SDGs through international partnerships
- offer opportunities for the Dutch creative sector to contribute abroad to finding solutions to challenges currently faced by societies worldwide
- strengthen the Netherlands’ image as an innovative, creative and inclusive country, in line with the new NL Branding

Priorities for international cultural cooperation

European cooperation, cooperation with the European Union
international cooperation on cultural heritage
cultural cooperation to achieve the SDGs

A targeted, strategic approach in 24 countries: in Europe, on Europe’s borders and beyond

The international cultural policy is applicable worldwide but efforts are concentrated on a selection of 24* countries. This selection is based on demand from abroad, artistic and economic opportunities for the Dutch cultural sector, local artistic quality, social relevance, historic ties and importance for foreign policy.
*Ukraine was added to the selection of focal countries in 2022.

Implementing parties

Central government cultural funds, support institutes and similar bodies

Central government cultural funds, support institutes and similar bodies contribute to the implementation of the international cultural policy. Even though all operate within the same policy framework, each of these organisations has its own specific goals and priorities. The following organisations all possess valuable expertise in their various disciplines, along with an international network, and can provide a tailored approach to supporting talented artists and institutions: The Netherlands Film Fund, the Cultural Participation Fund, the Performing Arts Fund NL, the Dutch Foundation for Literature, the Mondriaan Fund, the Creative Industries Fund NL, Het Nieuwe Instituut, EYE Film Institute Netherlands, the Cultural Heritage Agency of the Netherlands, the National Archives of the Netherlands, the Prince Claus Fund.

Dutch missions abroad

Embassies and consulates-general have large local networks, including cultural networks. This is important in building and maintaining relationships, identifying opportunities and matching supply and demand. Together with other implementing bodies, the missions draft a multi-year cultural approach. To this end, the missions have programme budgets that are appropriate to the ambitions and opportunities for cultural collaboration in the countries they are based in, as well as the necessary capacity for implementation.

The umbrella organisation for international cultural policy

DutchCulture has a cross-sectoral supporting key role to fulfil. It is responsible for:

providing information and advice to the Dutch cultural sector, city and regional governments, and diplomatic missions abroad (including information about and support in the use of EU grant programmes)
acting as a centre of expertise and networking hub, particularly for the Dutch cultural sector
implementing specific elements of international cultural policy

Source: International Cultural Policy 2021-2024

Ask yourself…

How does (implementing) Dutch international cultural policy differ from the international cultural policy in your country, and/or where do they meet? Where can we learn from each other or inspire one another?

Dutch international cultural policy for the period 2021-2024: a strategic approach