You pop into the library, sing in a choir, go to the cinema or take a stroll past the old mill round the corner. Culture is all around us. It fosters creativity, brings people together and also makes a significant contribution to the economy. Dutch creators and cultural institutions are highly regarded. To ensure this remains the case in the future, changes need to be made to the cultural system. The Council of Ministers has therefore adopted a plan based on a proposal by Minister Letschert of Education, Culture and Science. The plan focuses on good access for all, fewer requirements and future-proof national cultural funds.
More accessible, simpler and future-proof
In our country, local authorities, central government and provincial authorities work together to facilitate a rich and varied cultural offering. Both in practice and according to various studies, including those by the Council for Culture, it is clear that the system could be improved and simplified. Society is changing, and the system must continue to meet the needs of the public, creators and cultural institutions in the future. Minister Letschert has three objectives in this regard:
Good access
Everyone in our Kingdom must have good access to culture, whether they live in a city or in the regions. Research shows that, fundamentally, cultural provision is well distributed across the country, but that there is also room for improvement. The Minister will work with local authorities and provincial councils to explore how cooperation can be improved and how cultural provision can be strengthened in places where it is needed.
Simpler and more reliable
The grant system has become complex. Minister Letschert is therefore working to simplify the procedures and introduce a legislative amendment to extend the maximum grant period to eight years, so that some organisations can enjoy greater stability and certainty. The national cultural funds, which play a key role in allocating grants, will now have the flexibility to award grants with terms of eight years or shorter. This is better aligned with the practical realities faced by artists and organisations.
A future-proof delivery system
At present, central government cultural grants are distributed via the Ministry and the six national cultural funds. Minister Letschert wishes to better protect artistic freedom, keeping politics at arm’s length. She wants stronger national cultural funds, with greater responsibility, a clearer overview and less overlap. A project leader will be appointed to oversee this process. A key principle is that the funds’ extensive sector-specific expertise is preserved.
A meticulous process
The Minister intends to approach the reform of the cultural system with great care. In the coming period, she will be holding numerous discussions with various representatives from the cultural sector. As broad support is important to her, she will make her final decisions around the summer of 2027. A key principle is that organisations and funds must be able to prepare for the changes, and cultural practitioners and institutions must know where they stand. The new funding period will begin on 1 January 2029.
Nederlands 
English (UK) 
Français 