Call for proposals

The Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Australia has funding available for eligible cultural projects initiated by Australian artists, groups and organisations. Through the annual Call for Proposals, eligible applicants can apply for a contribution between $3,000 and $25,000 (AUD). Proposals are assessed by the embassy’s Press and Cultural team. Advice may be sought from Dutch-government peers.
The application deadline is 1 September 2026. Selected projects must commence before 1 December 2026.
Please note our resources are limited and applicants may not always receive the full funding amount.

How to apply

Australia-based artists, groups and organisations can apply for funding via the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Canberra (embassy) by submitting a project proposal and a detailed budget. All applicants are encouraged to read these Guidelines and Criteria and to speak with the embassy’s Press and Cultural team in Canberra before making an application. Please contact us to request an application form at can-pcz@minbuza.nl

General Applicant Eligibility

• Applications can only be submitted by not-for-profit Australian entities registered with an Australian Business number (ABN).
• Applicants are not dependent on the financial contribution from the embassy for their core funding. 
• Where possible, the applicant must co-operate with a Dutch project partner (institution or person) based in the Netherlands. The cooperation is based on equality, reciprocity, and respect for ownership.
• If you work with a Dutch partner, your application form must be accompanied by a written confirmation from the Dutch partner(s) confirming that the application has been drawn up in mutual agreeance.
• The requested financial contribution of the embassy should be between $3.000 and $25.000 AUD.
• The contribution from the embassy will not exceed 60% of the total project budget. 
• The financial value (or a fair estimate) of any in-kind contributions (such as expertise, equipment, office space and PR) may be included. 
• You cannot apply for funding if you have any outstanding or unacquitted funding from the embassy.

Project Criteria 

• The project must commence before 1 December 2026 and can run for a period not exceeding four years from the start date. For multi-annual projects a detailed plan must be provided.
• Applications should be submitted at least six weeks before the start of the project.
• The project must meet one (or more) of the following three policy goals:
  1. Strengthen relationships between Dutch and Australian cultural institutions and organisations working on Cultural Heritage summarised as the four Ms.
  2. Strengthen relationships between Dutch and First Nations arts professionals.
  3. Promote sustainability partnerships and collaboration between the Netherlands and Australia in the Creative Industries.
• The project must be guided by the following principles: Reciprocity, Diversity, Inclusion and Justice, Social impact and Sustainability.
• The project has a long-term impact.
• The project strengthens the cultural profile of The Netherlands in Australia.
• The project promotes cooperation between Australian and Dutch partners.
• The project is aimed at an Australian target group, based in Australia. 
• The project must include a robust communication strategy, in which the financial support from the embassy is acknowledged.

Eligible activities and expenses

• Funding is available for activities including (but not limited to) research-based projects, (research) publications, exhibitions, performances, film/video projects, expert panels, workshops, and conferences. 
• Expenses eligible for support are travel and accommodation, (art) transport, production costs and PR and communication costs for the Dutch component of the project. 
• Contributions towards PR/marketing and event documentation (AV, photography) are limited to a maximum of 10% of the total support per proposal.

Ineligible costs and activities

• Overhead costs (staff salaries, rent or office supplies). 
• Artists fees for Dutch artists/art professionals.
• Costs for professional development, awards, prizes or competitions, or fundraising for any cause or charity.
• Purchase of any equipment.
• Contingencies.
• Projects of a purely commercial nature.
• Retrospective activities.

Budget

Your budget must balance and clearly specify which cost items are being requested for a contribution. Your budget must also list other income sources, including expected ticket sales, if applicable. In-kind contributions (such as expertise, equipment, office space and PR) may be included. Please contact the embassy if you are proposing a budget variation due to unforeseen circumstances or significant changes to your activity and provide an explanation.

Processing of the application

• Receipt of your application will be confirmed in writing by the embassy.
• Proposals are assessed by the embassy’s Press and Cultural team. Advice may be sought from Dutch government peers. If necessary, applicants may be asked for additional information.
• Applications that are not eligible may not be considered for further assessment.
• The team will aim to make a decision within six weeks after the application deadline.
• If your application is approved, the embassy will inform you of the maximum contribution amount awarded and the conditions under which the contribution will be finalised. 

Acknowledgement of funding

As a condition of our support, we require that the embassy’s contribution is clearly acknowledged in all relevant marketing and communications materials related to the activity. We also expect that an embassy representative will be invited to attend the cultural activity and, where appropriate, be given the opportunity to say a few words. 
Contact the embassy’s Press and Cultural team in Canberra for the Kingdom of the Netherlands logo and further details, at can-pcz@minbuza.nl. 

Acquittal

You must provide an acquittal with a budget summary upon completion of your project. 
You will be asked to provide a statement that describes your activity, including achievements and a final budget showing how the funding was spent.