Creative industries, Arts & Culture - China-en
Sino-Dutch collaboration
China and the Netherlands share a longstanding and dynamic cultural relationship built on exchange, collaboration, and mutual curiosity. Across the fields of contemporary art, design, photography, music, architecture, film, literature, heritage, and performing arts, Chinese and Dutch institutions, artists, and creative professionals have worked together for decades through exhibitions, performances, residencies, festivals, and educational exchange. This collaboration was further strengthened through the signing of a bilateral Memorandum of Understanding on Culture, reaffirming the shared ambition to deepen cultural exchange and long-term cooperation. Within the framework of 55 years of diplomatic relations between China and the Netherlands, both countries continue to invest in cultural programmes that highlight creativity, innovation, heritage, and people-to-people connections.
The Dutch diplomatic network in China actively supports these collaborations by connecting partners, facilitating dialogue, and helping address practical barriers to international cultural exchange. The focus lies on sustainable partnerships, interdisciplinary collaboration, and strengthening links between culture, society, innovation, education, and business.
China and the Netherlands share a longstanding and dynamic cultural relationship built on exchange, collaboration, and mutual curiosity. Across the fields of contemporary art, design, photography, music, architecture, film, literature, heritage, and performing arts, Chinese and Dutch institutions, artists, and creative professionals have worked together for decades through exhibitions, performances, residencies, festivals, and educational exchange.
This collaboration was further strengthened through the signing of a bilateral Memorandum of Understanding on Culture, reaffirming the shared ambition to deepen cultural exchange and long-term cooperation. Within the framework of 55 years of diplomatic relations between China and the Netherlands, both countries continue to invest in cultural programmes that highlight creativity, innovation, heritage, and people-to-people connections.
The Dutch diplomatic network in China actively supports these collaborations by connecting partners, facilitating dialogue, and helping address practical barriers to international cultural exchange. The focus lies on sustainable partnerships, interdisciplinary collaboration, and strengthening links between culture, society, innovation, education, and business.
Contemporary Art & Creative Exchange
Contemporary art forms a central pillar of Sino-Dutch cultural collaboration. The Netherlands has built a strong presence within Beijing’s internationally renowned 798 Art District, where Dutch artists, museums, galleries, designers, architects, and creative entrepreneurs collaborate with Chinese partners through exhibitions, installations, artist talks, and interdisciplinary projects.
Current collaborations explore themes such as urban transformation, digital culture, sustainability, identity, and the future of public space. The Netherlands is internationally recognised for its innovative and experimental approach, connecting artistic practice with design, technology, and social dialogue.
Photography
Design & Architecture
Dutch design and architecture are internationally recognised for combining creativity, innovation, sustainability, and social engagement. Dutch designers and architects collaborate with Chinese museums, academies, festivals, brands, universities, and developers across fields such as product design, fashion, graphic design, immersive media, architecture, and urban development.
Leading Dutch firms including OMA, MVRDV, UNStudio, and NEXT Architects have contributed to projects throughout China, ranging from cultural institutions and urban masterplans to landmark buildings and public spaces. Current collaborations increasingly focus on adaptive reuse, climate resilience, mobility, and the future of urban living.
The De Stijl programme connects the legacy of Dutch modernism with contemporary artistic experimentation through exhibitions, workshops, artist talks, and collaborations with museums, academies, and institutions such as the Academie voor Internationale Betrekkingen.
Music & Performing Arts
Music and performing arts continue to play an important role in cultural exchange between China and the Netherlands. The Netherlands is home to world-class orchestras, internationally renowned musicians, innovative dance companies, and globally influential electronic music and DJ culture. Collaborations range from classical performances and conservatory exchange to contemporary dance, jazz, electronic music, interdisciplinary productions, and inclusive performing arts programmes.
Photography, Film & Storytelling
The Netherlands has a strong international reputation in photography, film, literature, illustration, and storytelling. Dutch photographers, filmmakers, writers, publishers, and creative institutions regularly collaborate with Chinese museums, festivals, academies, and cultural platforms.
Projects increasingly explore themes such as identity, urbanisation, inclusion, sustainability, and new forms of storytelling, often connecting photography, film, performance, immersive technologies, gaming, and AI. Through initiatives such as the Netherlands Film Festival China, Dutch cinema is presented to audiences across China through screenings, Q&As, masterclasses, and collaborations with film academies and festivals.
Museums, Heritage & Cultural Dialogue
Museum collaboration between China and the Netherlands has intensified significantly in recent years through professional exchanges, joint research, travelling exhibitions, and museum director dialogues. Shared heritage programmes explore maritime history, trade relations, ceramics, design heritage, and museum collections through exhibitions, publications, research projects, and digital storytelling.
Alongside artistic collaboration, both countries also facilitate dialogue at the intersection of culture, society, technology, and innovation through talks, salons, networking events, and interdisciplinary exchanges.
Residencies & Talent Development
Artist residencies and educational exchange programmes play an important role in strengthening long-term cultural ties between China and the Netherlands. Chinese and Dutch artists collaborate through research-based residencies, workshops, and public presentations that create space for experimentation, knowledge exchange, and sustainable professional networks.
For more information or collaboration opportunities, please contact: PEK-CCO@minbuza.nl