Cultural cooperation Hungary-Netherlands 2025-2028

Hungary is one of the focal countries within the international cultural policy of the Netherlands. Dutch-Hungarian relations date back centuries. As early as the 17th century, Hungarian Protestant students studied at the universities of Amsterdam, Leiden, Groningen, Utrecht, and Franeker. In 1676, Dutch admiral Michiel de Ruyter liberated 26 Protestant Hungarian preachers from slavery, making him a celebrated figure in Hungary to this day.

Between 1920 and 1930, more than 35,000 Hungarian children traveled to the Netherlands as part of a large-scale charitable program to recover from extreme poverty and famine. Many stayed for extended periods or even permanently. Following the 1956 revolution, thousands of Hungarian refugees settled in the Netherlands. Since the regime change of 1989, the Netherlands has been one of Hungary’s most important trading partners. Today, both countries are members of the European Union.

 In the early 1990s, Hungary emerged as a key democratic force in Central Europe. The re-establishment of a democratic political system and the transition to a market economy were accompanied by the revitalization of a diverse cultural sector that promoted open-mindedness, tolerance, and European cooperation. The cultural sector became increasingly active and internationally recognized, with Budapest evolving into a vibrant arts hub, home to numerous museums, theatres, cultural organizations, and events.

Over the past decade, Hungary’s cultural sector has undergone significant changes. In the 2010 general elections, Viktor Orbán’s Fidesz party secured a two-thirds majority in the Hungarian Parliament and has led the country since. This marked a new era in Hungary’s political, economic, and cultural landscape. Government-aligned partners now dominate state-funded cultural institutions, and conservative, nationalist political discourse has become more prevalent.

Despite these shifts, Hungary’s independent and alternative cultural scene is vibrant, continuously finding new ways to express itself. A dynamic alternative arts and urban scene offer great opportunities for collaboration, with innovative cultural spaces, grassroots initiatives, and independent artists fostering creativity beyond state-supported institutions.

However the cultural cooperation faces increasing challenges due to political centralization and economic uncertainties, the kingdom enjoys a strong reputation in Hungary as an innovative and progressive partner in the cultural sector.

Hungary and the Netherlands share a long history of cultural exchange, with deep ties across various artistic disciplines. Despite political and economic challenges, Hungary’s cultural sector remains vibrant, offering valuable opportunities for collaboration. Budapest serves as the country’s cultural center, home to institutions such as the Ludwig Museum, the House of Music, and the Capa Center, alongside other independent initiatives like Trafó House of Contemporary Arts and the OFF-Biennale Budapest. These organisations continue to foster experimental and socially engaged art, creating an environment where artists and institutions can meaningfully engage.

The creative industries, particularly in design and architecture, provide a good opportunity for Dutch-Hungarian cooperation. Budapest Design Week and Design Without Borders have already featured Dutch designers, reflecting the kingdom's strong reputation in sustainable and innovative design. Interest in circular economy practices and smart urban planning also presents opportunities for collaboration.

The performing arts sector is another key area of engagement, with established partnerships between Dutch and Hungarian institutions. The Netherlands Dance Theatre and Scapino Ballet have performed in Hungary several times. Music festivals like Sziget and Budapest Jazz Festival regularly showcase artists from the Netherlands, and recent years have seen a record number of Dutch musicians featured at Hungarian events.

Film and media arts are growing areas of Dutch-Hungarian cultural engagement. Hungary’s film scene is internationally recognized, with festivals like VERZIO International Documentary Festival providing platforms for filmmakers from the kingdom to present work that tackles pressing global and European issues. There is potential to deepen this collaboration through new initiatives, such as the Dutch Film Days, which would further increase visibility for cinema from the kingdom in Hungary.

Academic partnerships between Hungarian institutions like MOME, Moholy-Nagy University of Art and Design and ELTE, Eötvös Loránd University and their Dutch counterparts have also strengthened knowledge exchange.

Despite the shrinking space for independent cultural initiatives, Hungary remains a country where culture is deeply valued, and the public remains engaged. The kingdom's involvement in Hungary’s cultural sphere not only supports artistic innovation and dialogue but also helps sustain creative spaces where freedom of expression and European cultural values remain central.

Would you like to receive more information regarding opportunities for cultural exchange with Hungary? Feel free to contact our advisor for Central and Eastern Europe, Tijana Stepanovic, with your questions.

The Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Budapest plays a vital role in fostering cultural collaboration between the kingdom and Hungary. The embassy’s approach focuses on three key priorities: supporting independent and critical voices, strengthening cultural cooperation in alignment with European values, and promoting sustainable creative industries.

The kingdom actively collaborates with non-state cultural actors to support freedom of expression, human rights, and European cooperation. Cultural initiatives such as OFF-Biennale and critical discourse platforms provide essential spaces for artistic expression and open dialogue. The embassy continues to engage with independent organizations, ensuring that cultural collaboration between the countries contributes to a diverse and resilient cultural ecosystem.

Another key priority is strengthening sustainable cultural industries, particularly in areas such as design, architecture, and circular economy. Hungary’s creative sector presents strong opportunities for collaboration with expertise in sustainable design. The embassy actively explores the opportunities of trade missions and exchange programs, building connections with local partners in sustainable textile, smart cities, and innovation in the creative industries.

Music festivals, film programs, and performing arts collaborations offer additional avenues for cultural cooperation. The Kingdom of the Netherlands is a respected partner in these fields, and Hungarian audiences show great interest in both contemporary and classical art of the kingdom. Initiatives like the Dutch Film Days and partnerships with major festivals such as Sziget, Budapest Jazz Festival, and VERZIO Human Rights Film Festival provide platforms for Dutch artists and cultural professionals.

Through continued collaboration, the kingdom seeks to maintain and expand cultural ties with Hungary, ensuring that cultural exchange remains a strong pillar of bilateral relations. By supporting artistic innovation, critical discourse, and sustainable creative industries, the embassy contributes to a cultural landscape that remains dynamic and open to European and international collaboration.