Financial Support for Cultural Exchange

The Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in China offers limited financial support for cultural projects that contribute to our strategic objectives and align with our multi-annual cultural plan (2025–2028).

Our aim is to strengthen the position of the Dutch cultural sector in China by encouraging visibility, exchange and sustainable collaboration. At the same time, we seek to support and deepen the cultural relationship between the Netherlands and China through meaningful Dutch cultural activities in China. As these funds are allocated annually by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, availability is limited and budgets are often fully committed before the final quarter of the year.

What kind of projects do we support

We are interested in projects that:
  • encourage meaningful and long-term cultural exchange between the Netherlands and China;
  • create opportunities for Dutch artists, creatives and cultural organisations to engage with audiences in China;
  • contribute to sustainable collaboration between Dutch and Chinese cultural partners;
  • support the international ambitions of the Dutch cultural sector.

Who can apply

Applications are welcome from Dutch or Dutch based professional organisations. To be eligible:

  • the applicant must be a registered legal entity;
  • the project must involve a clear Dutch cultural component;
  • the activity must take place in China (online activities aimed at audiences in China may also be considered);
  • the project must not have started yet;
  • Dutch applicants must work with a Chinese partner organisation.

Please note:

  • individuals or amateur arts initiatives are not eligible to apply;
  • purely commercial activities will not be considered.

We particularly encourage applications from organisations applying for the first time.

What can be funded

The embassy typically supports projects with contributions ranging from EUR 1,500 to EUR 10,000. In very exceptional cases, support may go up to EUR 20,000. Funding can contribute to costs directly related to the Dutch cultural component of a project, such as:

  • travel and accommodation;
  • publications;
  • communications and audience outreach;
  • workshops, lectures
  • audiovisual documentation;
  • educational materials;
  • part of production costs directly linked to the project.

Travel and accommodation support is capped at EUR 1,500 per person, based on economy-class travel and a short stay. We encourage sustainable travel options wherever possible.

Please ensure that Dutch artists and creatives are compensated fairly, in line with recognised professional standards.

What cannot be funded

We cannot support:
  • general overhead or operational costs;
  • salaries or ongoing staff costs;
  • insurance;
  • shipping or transport of goods;
  • hospitality or entertainment costs;
  • conference participation fees;
  • research or preparation for future projects;
  • purely commercial activities.

Funding conditions

Please note that:
  • total Dutch public funding may not exceed 50% of the Dutch component of the total project budget;
  • applicants are encouraged to seek support from multiple funding sources;
  • artist fees and in-kind contributions should be clearly reflected in the budget.

How are applications assessed

Applications are reviewed based on several considerations, including:
  • artistic and organisational quality;
  • relevance to the embassy’s cultural priorities;
  • feasibility and financial realism;
  • expected visibility and audience reach;
  • potential for sustainable follow-up or longer-term collaboration.

How to apply

Applications are accepted on a rolling basis. We recommend contacting us at least two month before your project starts. Please note that projects that have already started are not eligible for support.

Step 1: Send a letter of Intent
Before submitting a full application, please send a short email to: PEK-CCO@minbuza.nl
This should include:
  • a brief description of the project;
  • proposed dates;
  • the type of support requested;
  • information on other funding sources you are approaching.
Step 2: Initial review
Our cultural team will review your proposal and advise whether it fits within the framework of our support program. We may also suggest alternative funding opportunities where relevant.
 
Step 3: Formal application
If your project is considered a good fit, we will ask you to complete the application form below. You will be asked to submit a completed application form with a detailed project budget, supporting documents and communication materials or visuals where relevant.
 
Step 4: Assessment and decision
Applications are carefully reviewed. We may contact you for additional information or clarification. Please allow up to six weeks for processing.
If approved, the contribution awarded may be lower than the amount requested.

Visibility and reporting

If your project receives support, we ask that the Embassy is appropriately acknowledged in relevant communications and publicity materials.
We also appreciate receiving a short final report so we can better understand the impact of the program.

Other Dutch funding opportunities

Applicants are strongly encouraged to explore additional Dutch cultural funding sources, including:
DutchCulture’s Cultural Mobility Funding Guide is also a useful resource for international cultural funding opportunities.

Questions?

If you are unsure whether your project fits within this framework, please feel free to get in touch. We are always happy to explore meaningful opportunities for cultural collaboration.

Online Application Form

Form (Global)