In Brazil, the Dutch diplomatic network supports activities of all art disciplines that meet the objectives of the International Cultural Policy framework 2025-2028. The emphasis is on addressing social inequalities, promoting sustainability, and ensuring fair pay, diversity, and inclusion within all cultural activities and initiatives. Also, the cooperation on cultural heritage is equally emphasized.

Every year, the Brazilian network launches open calls for cultural and heritage projects.

A Strong Cultural Sector and Creative Industry

Collaboration also ensures a strong cultural sector and creative industry in the Netherlands. It makes the Netherlands attractive and supports the Dutch economy. The creative sector can also contribute to solutions for major global problems, such as climate change.

The Dutch government supports such collaboration. Sometimes assistance is needed to solve problems. Or to better utilize opportunities. The government can then:

• advise;

• provide subsidies;

• establish contact with foreign partners

The implementation of projects is primarily the responsibility of cultural institutions themselves.

3 goals for international cultural policy

From 2025 to 2028, the Dutch government has 3 key goals:

• Strengthening the Dutch cultural sector and creative industry.
  By exchanging knowledge between countries. And helping Dutch artists and creative entrepreneurs work abroad.

• Improving relations with other countries.
  By collaborating on cultural programs. And fostering mutual understanding.

• The cultural sector and creative industry contribute to sustainable development.
  To contribute to solutions for societal problems. For example by promoting sustainable design internationally. This is one way the Netherlands contributes to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). You can think of cultural projects in the areas of freedom of expression, circular design or healthcare. Cultural projects can relate to all 17 SDGs.

The role of the Dutch government in international cultural policy

Dutch embassies and consulates support artists in various countries. With advice and funding. Cultural funds also support Dutch artists. For example if they wish to perform abroad. This includes funds such as:

• Performing Arts Fund NL;

• Dutch Foundation for Literature;

• Mondriaan Fund;

• Creative Industries Fund NL;

• Film Fund.

Dutch artists can also request assistance from DutchCulture. This organization provides advice on international collaboration.

The Dutch government also supports artists in countries where they cannot always express their opinions. Such support is granted for example through the Prince Claus Fund.

International Cultural Heritage

For the Netherlands, the international cultural heritage in Brazil is of great historical and cultural value. This concerns the comprehensive heritage from the colonial era and, increasingly, the recent heritage associated with 20th-century migration to Brazil. For Brazil, the Dutch heritage is essential historically and economically because of its tourist value.

Annually, the Embassy publishes an open call for project proposals aiming to support projects in Brazil for the conservation, sustainable use, management and visibility of cultural heritage between the Netherlands and Brazil, whether tangible or intangible.

The Dutch government also helps to protect and utilize heritage internationally. This is done together with:

• the Cultural Heritage Agency of the Netherlands;

• the National Archives;

• the Dutch Information and Heritage Inspectorate;

• other heritage experts, both in the Netherlands and from abroad. Such as museums and universities.