Cultural sector shows resilience under growing pressure  

Amsterdam, 13 April 2026 - Every year, the Boekman Foundation maps the most important developments in the cultural field with the national Culture Monitor. The 2025 edition shows a sector in full swing: socially engaged and creative, but also structurally vulnerable. Below are the seven most defining developments of the past year. The updated pages can be accessed at www.cultuurmonitor.nl.

Seven Developments 

1. Growing pressure on artistic freedom

The hardening of public debate directly affects cultural life. The Culture Council identifies self-censorship among artists and recommends legislation to better protect artistic freedom.  

2.Generative AI: opportunity and existential threat 

Research by the Boekman Foundation among more than 700 creators shows that almost one in five already reports reduced commissions and income due to generative AI; among translators, it is one in three. At the same time, AI offers creative opportunities and possibilities to democratise art. 

3. Culture as problem solver 

There is increasing attention to the use of culture in societal challenges. However, the instrumentalisation of culture does raise questions about the balance with artistic autonomy.

4. Fair pay: from ambition to practice 

With the start of the cultural planning period 2025-2028, fair pay became compulsory for institutions in the Basic Infrastructure (BIS). Yet the road from policy ambition to daily practice remains long. Many creators work as freelancers, often at low rates. The ambition is there, and steps towards fair pay practice are being taken. 

5. High cultural participation, persistent inequality 

91 per cent of Dutch people aged 6 and above attended at least one cultural activity in 2024; a recovery from the corona years. At the same time, participation gaps by education, income and migration background are significant and persistent.

6. Government funding structurally decreased

Adjusted for inflation, public support for culture in 2023 is €1.26 billion lower than if the 2005 spending level had been maintained. Municipalities are the largest public funder of culture at 60 per cent and at the same time are under severe pressure. The so-called ‘ravine year’ is now looming in 2028.

7. Reform of the cultural system

2025 was the first year of the new culture plan period, but legal procedures on grant distribution worked through. There were concrete proposals for simplifying application and assessment procedures for long-term certainty for creators and institutions and less regulatory burden. Minister Letschert (OCW) is expected to publish the Letter of Principles for the next BIS period in 2027.

About the Culture Monitor

The Culture Monitor is published annually by the Boekman Foundation and maps the main developments in the cultural field at national, provincial and municipal level. Monitor 2025 contains more than 250 indicators at national level and over 150 indicators at regional level. The monitor is searchable by themes and domains.