Public Diplomacy and Culture

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To strengthen the ties that Montenegro and Serbia have with the Netherlands, the Embassy supports cultural activities and together with partner organizations develops initiatives in the area of public diplomacy. Details of each policy line are explained below.

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Public Diplomacy

The Embassy uses public diplomacy (PD) as an instrument to promote the policies of the Netherlands among audiences in Montenegro and in Serbia. Public diplomacy strengthens the Dutch position and reputation by presenting a realistic and positive image of the Netherlands and its policies abroad. It fosters dialogue on Dutch policy priorities by highlighting Dutch views, society and ways of doing business. This contributes to mutual understanding and better relations between our countries.

The emphasis of public diplomacy in Serbia and in Montenegro will be on the following priorities:

  • The EU-integration of Montenegro and Serbia, and cooperation in the framework of NATO. Projects in this area should highlight shared European values, such as the rule of law, and promote democracy. 
  • International legal order and human rights, including media freedom, gender equality, LGBTIQ+ rights. 

Next to these activities, social media also plays an important role in our public diplomacy strategy. Please visit our Facebook page, IG SR, IG MN, X or LinkedIn accounts for the latest news and events, leave us your comment or suggestion.

Funding criteria for public diplomacy:

  • The activity must define how the public diplomacy will contribute to the policy priorities. 
  • The activity results contribute to increased influence and an enhanced reputation of the Netherlands in the host country. 
  • The activity is yet to take place. Contributions to cover shortfalls after an event has taken place are excluded. 
  • The activity is always in partnership with a local organisation or influential person and fosters dialogue. 
  • The activity is measurable in terms of output and outcome.
  • Not eligible for funding: overhead and infrastructural costs, flights or other travel costs, daily allowances, purely commercial activities, anything primarily aimed at Dutch audiences.  

 

Cultural Diplomacy

Embassy uses Cultural Diplomacy as an instrument towards policy objectives (shared European values and cooperation, human rights, democracy, economic cooperation) to strengthen the ties that Montenegro and Serbia have with the Netherlands. Cultural Diplomacy is a tool used to strengthen the position of the Dutch cultural sector in Serbia and in Montenegro through lasting cooperation, exchanges and visibility. Finally, we aim to use the power of culture and creative industries to promote sustainable development within the Sustainable Development Goals. 

Funding criteria for cultural activities:

  • Applications should be submitted by legal entities (either Dutch or local) and activities should take place in either Serbia or Montenegro.
  • The activity must be an expression of Dutch art and/or culture. Collaboration or exchange between the Dutch and local partner is a must.
  • The activity is yet to take place; funding cannot be granted once the activity has started or after it has ended.
  • If applicable, mention how the proposed activity will contribute to enhancing bilateral relations between the Netherlands and Montenegro/Serbia and/or in what ways it contributes to achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
  • The proposal should explain how the activity helps to build a relevant international audience/network/experience for the artist(s) from the Netherlands.
  • The contribution cannot be higher than 50% of the total costs of the (part of the) activity related the Dutch artist(s).
  • Not eligible for funding: overhead and infrastructural costs, traditional Netherlands promotion activities and purely commercial projects. 

The application procedure for Public and Cultural Diplomacy:

  • Applications should be submitted to the Netherlands Embassy in Belgrade (nevena.nikolic@minbuza.nl) on standard application form in English language. 
  • There is no set deadline for submitting proposals; applications are accepted as long as there are funds available. 

Caveat:

Since the Public and Cultural Diplomacy budget lines have limited financial resources, project proposals will not necessarily be approved even if all of the above requirements are met.

The application form is available  here.

If you have any questions, do not hesitate to contact the Embassy: 
Phone: 011 / 2023.900 
Contact person for projects is Ms. Nevena Nikolić -  nevena.nikolic@minbuza.nl