Policy goals

1. To strengthen relationships between Dutch and Australian cultural institutions and organisations working on Cultural Heritage summarised as the four Ms.
   The Dutch diplomatic missions’ heritage focus on Australia is structured around four key themes - the so-called four Ms: Maritime, Military, Migrant and Mercantile history and heritage. Our objective is to sustain and leverage multi-year Dutch-Australian international heritage projects across these four key themes. This includes support for research and digitisation, improved heritage management and the protection and transmission of intangible cultural heritage. This policy period will also include acknowledgement of the 400th anniversaries of the wreckages of the Zeewijk (2027) and the Batavia (2029). Read more about the four Ms on our International Heritage Cooperation page.
    
2. To strengthen relationships between Dutch and First Nations arts professionals. We continue to embrace First Nations’ perspectives and knowledge systems, respecting, acknowledging, and including First Nations’ contributions to our shared history.
   Through engagement across our cultural portfolio, we aim to develop inclusive collaborations that reflect contemporary societal debates and foster meaningful connection. We welcome opportunities to build new networks and deepen engagement between Dutch and Australian arts professionals and cultural organisations who recognise the importance of First Nations voices, experiences and leadership. The embassy has previously supported the Soils Project, bringing together thirteen practitioners and collectives from Australia, the Netherlands and Indonesia, to explore the complex and diverse relationships between environmental change and colonisation. Other examples are support for the Nguluway Dhuluyarra Fellowship and the Sharing Stories on Contested Histories programme.
    
3. To promote sustainability partnerships and collaboration between the Netherlands and Australia in the Creative Industries.
   The Dutch creative industries are a leading economic sector, driving innovative solutions for a more sustainable future. This policy priority focuses on contemporary culture and supports Australia-based cultural projects that actively collaborate with Dutch organisations and creative professionals in the Creative Industries to contribute to solutions for societal problems. Priority is given to projects within key Creative Industries sectors, including circular textiles and fashion, circular design, and applied gaming (for the purpose of education, training, medical appliance, and therapy). Complex global challenges cannot be solved by businesses, governments, or science alone. They require open exchange, creative thinking, and inclusive, cross-sectoral approaches — where culture and creativity play a vital role. This focus on the Dutch creative industries as a leading economic sector aligns closely with our goal to incorporate culture across our other result areas, in particular our economic objectives, which seek to develop themes like renewable energy and circularity, and bilateral collaboration across key industries. Read more about the Dutch Creative Industries.

How to apply for a financial contribution from the Netherlands Embassy in Australia?

Through the annual Call for Proposals, eligible applicants can apply for a contribution between $3,000 and $25,000 (AUD).
Project proposals are assessed by the embassy’s Press and Cultural team.  All applicants are encouraged to read the Project applications Guidelines and Criteria and to speak with the embassy’s Press and Cultural team in Canberra before making an application. Contact us at can-pcz@minbuza.nl 

Alignment with International Cultural Policy 2025-2028

Australia is one of 24 strategic focus countries in the Netherlands' International Cultural Policy for the period 2025-2028 . The international cultural policy underpins all our activities in the field of cultural exchange and has the following objectives:

1.  A strong international position for the Dutch cultural sector through enduring cooperation, exchanges and visibility.
2. Supporting bilateral relations with other countries with the help of Dutch cultural activities.
3. Using the power of the cultural and creative sector to promote sustainable development, with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) as a guiding framework.

Policy principles

In strengthening the cultural ties between The Netherlands and Australia, we follow the same principles outlined in the International Cultural Policy:

• Reciprocity
• Diversity, inclusion and justice
• Social impact
• Sustainability

In addition, our work on heritage cooperation is founded on respect for the cultural protocols, traditions, and invaluable knowledge of the Traditional Custodians of the lands on which we work and support projects.