Roaming New Roads: DutchCulture Database Mapping 2023

Each year DutchCulture follows the work of Dutch makers around the globe. We track artists and cultural organisations from all disciplines and track them in our Cultural Database, to measure and understand the impact of the Dutch cultural and creative sectors internationally.

2023 saw a vibrant year of international travel, with makers once again touring at pre-pandemic levels. Although makers continue to face challenges on a global-political scale, they have re-doubled their efforts to work internationally. The result is a bustling map, with 17,493 international cultural activities tracked in 2023.

We tracked 3,000 Dutch makers travelled across 120 countries to perform, exhibit, teach, discuss, and learn. Moreover, 2023 saw nearly 20% more activities than 2022, with activity levels similar to pre-Covid years.

In 2023 we tracked the international activities of 3,157 Dutch makers. These makers hailed from 241 different Dutch cities and towns. The number of active makers remained relatively stable compared to 2022, however artists were on average 18% more active than the previous year.

In tandem with the annual database mapping, we also produce factsheets for the focal countries, providing a quick overview of the activities that took place in each country in the previous year.

We implemented the activities of Dutch or Netherlands-based makers, cultural professionals and organisations, from 12 different disciplines. To track these activities, we work closely with our partners at the Dutch embassies and consulates, cultural funds and organisations, and directly with makers themselves. Thanks to all our partners who help keep the database accurate and up-to-date.

Check out the full mapping to see a breakdown of activities per discipline:

Are you a Dutch (or Netherlands-based) artist or cultural professional working on international projects or with partners abroad? If so, create an account for our database in just a few steps, so that your activities will be included from now on.