International Cultural Policy

The objectives of the international cultural policy of the Netherlands are:

• A strong international position for the Dutch cultural sector through enduring cooperation and visability;
• Supporting bilateral relations with other countries with the help of Dutch Cultural activities;
• Using the power of the cultural and creative sector to promote sustainable development, with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG's) as a guiding framework;

Cultural diplomacy is using the arts and culture to benefit our relationships with other countries. Music, dance, and architecture are all forms of cultural expression that tell a story about who we are, allowing people to relate to the country in a new, perhaps more personal way. In this way, culture generates new relationships and promotes mutual understanding.

International Heritage Cooperation

Heritage plays a role in building relationships, fostering mutual understanding and sparking dialogue about the meaning our heritage holds for us. The Netherlands has, in various countries, left behind many footsteps. In recent years the Netherlands has been working hard to maintain this shared cultural heritage by encouraging partnerships between Dutch and foreign institutions and experts, exchanging knowledge, supporting foreign initiatives and broadening the circle of interested parties. This includes making the archives of the Dutch East and West India Companies available, recommissioning historic buildings, attention for intangible heritage and providing training in underwater archaeology. 

• The International Heritage Cooperation programme is focused on the formation and exchange of knowledge. Working with partners aruond the world we work together and learn from each other.

Cultural Cooperation between The Netherlands and South Africa

The Netherlands and South Africa share many common goals. Dutch and South African institutions have ongoing cooperation in the fields of film, archive management, and heritage. 

The Netherlands in South Africa from the Embassy in Pretoria offers funding for projects which support our International Policy Objectives. We support projects that promote artistic collaboration, exchange and development between Dutch and South African Partners, focus on mutually important topics of colonial legacy, climate awareness, gender and LGBTIQIA+ rights and suppor sustainable development by contributing to the Sustainable Development Goals.

For more information please contact us 
 

We are currently accepting applications.

Submission deadlines for 2026

3 May. Applicants may expect the outcome by by 15 May.

2 August (dependant on funding availability).

Projects must

• take place in South Africa
• have both a South African and a Dutch partner or have a South African partner and a strong link to The Netherlands through the historial legacy
• have a comprehensive and balanced budget with a clear indication of all sources of funding. (The requested contribution from the Kingdom of the Netherlands should not cover more than 50% of the project costs.) 
• show a commitment to fair practice and fair pay
• demonstrate actions to mitigate their climate impact

When submitting your application please answer the following questions in the section for additional information.

Which of the following objectives does the project meet? Briefly explain how.

• Promote collaboration between Dutch and South African arts practitioners or organisations

• Produce new work

• Exchange of knowledge or skills between Dutch and South African arts practitioners or organisations

• Promote Climate Awareness in South Africa

• Explore the historical relationship between the Netherlands and South Africa

• Support the UN Sustainable Development Goals

How will the support of the Kingdom of the Netherlands be made visible in this project?

How have you ensured that the rates in this application are fair and in line with industry standards?

How have you mitigated the climate impact of this project?