Josine Backus, Team Coordinator | Advisor for Brazil, Suriname & the USA

At DutchCulture, I hold a dual role as Advisory Team Coordinator and Advisor, supporting the cultural and creative sector, public authorities, and diplomatic missions of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in advancing their international ambitions. I provide policy guidance, practical advice, and cultural insight, with a particular regional focus on Brazil, Suriname, and the United States. In parallel, I lead our team of advisors delivering expertise and services on international cultural cooperation worldwide. I am committed to promoting meaningful connections across borders and strengthening collaborative, reciprocal, and equitable cultural exchange.

My academic background includes an MSc in Cultural Anthropology from the University of Amsterdam, where my thesis explored Bumba Meu Boi, a vibrant Brazilian cultural performance blending Indigenous, African, and European influences, recognized as intangible world heritage. I also completed a minor in Dutch Studies – Text and Communication, focusing on intercultural competencies.