Staying Connected: Amsterdam and International Cultural Exchange

For centuries, Amsterdam has welcomed international creators, professionals, and artists. At the same time, the city’s cultural sector is highly active beyond national borders.​ Currently, international collaboration is under pressure due to political developments and budget cuts. Still, Amsterdam aims to maintain and strengthen its profile as an international cultural capital: focused on exchange, innovation, and mutual understanding.​

In light of the current situation, City of Amsterdam, Amsterdam Fund for the Arts (AFK) and DutchCulture met with various internationally-active cultural institutions to explore how we can preserve and reinforce this position.​ By combining insights, ambitions, and practical experience, we are shaping a shared agenda within the current Arts Plan.​

The event began with a presentation by DutchCulture, mapping the current international activities of Amsterdam’s cultural institutions. This was followed by a presentation from the City of Amsterdam, outlining its political approach to international cultural engagement. Later, a small panel discussion took place, featuring valuable insights from Josien Pieterse, founder and co-director of Framer Framed, and Zineb Seghrouchni, founder of DAR Cultural Agency.

Participants then joined round table discussions focused on three themes: dilemmas, opportunities, and the needs of the local cultural sector in building sustainable and enriching international relationships. The outcomes of these discussions were shared in a closing session and collected to form a report for future reference.

This meeting served as a first step in gathering insights into the opportunities, needs, and challenges facing Amsterdam’s cultural sector.

It is a work in progress. We will carry these insights forward and follow up with you in due course.