Organizations supporting cultural initiatives in Ukraine and the Netherlands

Cultural collaboration between Ukraine and the Netherlands is supported by a diverse network of Ukrainian institutions, cultural organisations, festivals and international partners. Some provide funding or grant programmes, while others support artistic development, protect cultural heritage, strengthen visibility, or help build international connections.

DutchCulture’s key partners in Ukraine are the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Kyiv and the Ukrainian Institute. The Embassy’s cultural department supports international cultural cooperation, Ukraine’s cultural sector, and the protection and preservation of cultural heritage.

The Ukrainian Institute, affiliated with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine, promotes Ukrainian culture internationally and facilitates connections between Ukrainian and international cultural professionals. Its Insight UA platform offers an overview of Ukrainian artists, institutions and projects, and can serve as a useful starting point for international collaboration. Since April 2025, the Ukrainian Institute has been represented in the Netherlands through the Ukrainian Institute in the Netherlands, hosted by DutchCulture. Working across all cultural sectors, it facilitates partnerships between Ukrainian and Dutch cultural institutions, supports professional exchange, and develops collaborative projects connecting artists, cultural professionals, and organisations in both countries.

At national level, the Ministry of Culture of Ukraine and the Ukrainian Cultural Foundation are important reference points for cultural policy, funding and sector priorities. Since 2022, public funding for culture in Ukraine has been strongly affected by the war, but these institutions remain central to understanding the needs and priorities of the Ukrainian cultural sector.

Other relevant support structures include House of Europe, which offers opportunities for cultural and creative professionals, and Insha Osvita, which administers the Culture Helps grant programme. IZOLYATSIA supports contemporary art and cultural actors, including through the ZMINA: Rebuilding programme. PEN Ukraine plays an important role at the intersection of culture, literature, public debate and human rights.

Sector-specific organisations and platforms such as the Dovzhenko Centre, the Ukrainian Film Academy, the Ukrainian Book Institute, Book Arsenal, BookForum, Docudays UA, Molodist Kyiv International Film Festival and Zapravka can also be valuable entry points for collaboration, depending on the discipline or type of project.

Because the situation in Ukraine changes quickly, it is important to check the latest information directly with the relevant organisation and to work closely with Ukrainian partners when developing cultural or heritage-related projects.

Please note that the link selections below are not exhaustive. They highlights support organisations, funding routes, sector platforms and knowledge resources that may be useful for cultural professionals working with Ukraine.

Who are the key players in the Netherlands when it comes to funding, networks, knowledge and supporting cultural initiatives connected to Ukraine?

At the heart of international cultural policy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands are the Ministry of Education, Culture and Science and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, working together with DutchCulture to shape a strong and inclusive cultural framework. DutchCulture, the platform for international cultural cooperation, plays a key role in connecting Dutch and international cultural players. DutchCulture has an Advice Desk and an Advisor for Central and Eastern Europe who can help further those interested in working with Ukraine. TransArtists, a program of DutchCulture, provides valuable resources on artist-in-residence opportunities worldwide, helping artists connect with international residency programs. Since April 2025, DutchCulture hosts the Dutch representation of the Ukrainian Institute.

On a diplomatic level, the Embassy of Ukraine in The Hague plays a crucial role in fostering cultural ties, advocacy, and institutional collaboration between Ukraine and the Netherlands.

At the national level, six major cultural funds shape the landscape: the Creative Industries Fund NL, Mondriaan Fund, Performing Arts Fund NL, Dutch Literature Fund, Film Fund, and Cultural Participation Fund. These national funds provide crucial support for artists, designers, filmmakers, and performers, fostering (international) collaboration. Please note that most subsidies provided by Dutch public funds are only accessible to organisations based in the Netherlands. Ukrainian organisations can, however, participate as partners in projects led by Dutch organisations.

Beyond the national public funds, other funding and support structures may also be relevant. The Cultuurfonds supports cultural initiatives across the Netherlands and can be relevant for locally rooted projects, public programmes and partnerships. At the European level, Creative Europe offers opportunities for cross-border cooperation in the cultural and creative sectors, often through international consortia. For more information and advice, you can consult the Creative Europe Desk NL at DutchCulture. The Prince Claus Fund supports artists and cultural practitioners working in contexts where culture is under pressure, and may be relevant for Ukrainian cultural professionals depending on the specific programme or open call. The European Cultural Foundation strengthens cross-border cultural responses to urgent challenges while also shaping policy.

Protecting and preserving Ukrainian cultural heritage is one of the main priorities right now. The Cultural Emergency Response (CER) Fund provides immediate, targeted support to safeguard cultural heritage at risk due to crises. The Cultural Heritage Agency of the Netherlands provides expertise, resources, and collaboration opportunities for Ukraine.

Several initiatives focus specifically on Ukraine. While these do not necessarily provide direct funding, they can be highly valuable for building networks, sharing knowledge, finding partners and understanding current needs in the Ukrainian cultural and creative sectors. UNUN, Ukraine–the Netherlands Urban Network, and Ro3kvit – Urban Coalition for Ukraine bring together urbanists and architects working on the reconstruction of Ukraine. The UAxPlatform of ELIA strengthens the resilience of higher arts education institutions and their students during times of crisis and recovery. The Vataha Foundation is a volunteer-run Ukrainian community organisation that facilitates grassroots, Ukrainian-led projects, amplifies voices and strengthens networks.

In addition to funding opportunities, major Dutch festivals, cultural events, and professional networks can serve as important entry points for international collaboration. Platforms such as Holland Festival, SPRING Performing Arts Festival, Rewire, Crossing Border, BredaPhoto, IFFR, IDFA, Poetry International, Read My World, Dutch Design Week, and Amsterdam Dance Event, and many others regularly collaborate with international artists and cultural professionals and may offer opportunities for co-production, residencies, presentations, and professional exchange.

City-level programmes offer residencies and local funding opportunities, while private philanthropy and grassroots initiatives further enrich this landscape.

For current funding, mobility and collaboration opportunities, consult our Cultural Mobility Funding Guide or reach out to our Advisor for Central and Eastern Europe. Please note that funding opportunities, eligibility criteria and open calls change regularly, so always check the latest information directly with the relevant fund, programme or organisation.