Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Australia – Funding for Cultural Projects

The Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Australia runs an annual Call for Proposals for cultural projects initiated by Australian artists, groups and organisations, assessed by the embassy's Press and Cultural team (with advice sometimes sought from Dutch-government peers). Applicants must be not-for-profit Australian entities with an ABN, not dependent on this funding for core operations, and where possible should partner with a Dutch institution or individual (cooperation based on equality, reciprocity and respect for ownership; if a Dutch partner is involved, written confirmation of mutual agreement must accompany the application). Projects must align with at least one of three policy goals — strengthening Dutch-Australian cultural heritage institution relationships, strengthening Dutch/First Nations arts professional relationships, or promoting Netherlands-Australia sustainability partnerships in Creative Industries — guided by principles of reciprocity, diversity, inclusion and justice, social impact, and sustainability. Applicants can't have outstanding or unacquitted funding from the embassy.

Contributions range from $3,000 to $25,000 AUD, capped at a maximum of 60% of total project budget. Eligible expenses cover travel/accommodation, art transport, production costs, and PR/communication costs for the Dutch component (PR/marketing and documentation costs capped at 10% of total support). Ineligible costs include overheads, Dutch artist fees, equipment purchases, contingencies, and retrospective activities. Funding isn't guaranteed in full — resources are limited. Successful applicants must acknowledge embassy support in communications and invite an embassy representative to the activity, and must submit an acquittal (activity statement + final budget) on completion.

Application deadline is 1 September 2026. Selected projects must commence before 1 December 2026, and applications should be submitted at least six weeks before the project start date. Decisions expected within six weeks of the deadline.