3. Cultural and creative sectors
The Netherlands
Last update: March, 2026
The care for heritage is a complex interplay of owners, businesses, heritage organizations, national, provincial, and local governments, and a great many volunteers. The Netherlands has committed itself to various international agreements on the preservation and protection of heritage (see table 2, chapter 4.2.1). These have been incorporated into national legislation, the most important is the Heritage Act.
Table 3: Facts about Dutch Heritage
|
|
|
|
Archaeological national monuments (2025) |
1465 |
|
Nationally protected town and village views (2025) |
472 |
|
National monuments (2025) |
61.635 |
|
Museums (2024) |
621 |
|
Visitors for museums (2024) |
31.970.000 |
Source: RCE van 2025 (Erfgoedmonitor - Kerncijfers - Kerncijfers - Nederland)
The Heritage Act (Erfgoedwet ) was installed in July 2016 to merge various regulations and laws on national collection, museums, monuments, archaeology and intangible heritage (see chapter 4.2.2). The main measures based on the Heritage Act are the ‘Regulation on the Management of the National Collection and Subsidization of Museum Institutions’ (Rbr), the ‘Subsidy Scheme for the Preservation of Monuments’ (SIM), and the ‘Heritage Act Archaeology Decree’ (BEa). The Heritage Act was evaluated in 2023.
The Environment and Planning Act (Omgevingswet) (2024) is the second important law that regulates cultural heritage in the physical living environment, complimenting the Heritage Act. The following elements are included in the Environment and Planning Act: permits for (archaeological) national monuments; the protection and preservation of the specific historic character of a village, town or city; the appointment of a monument committee; the need to take cultural heritage into account in environmental plans; and the designation of provincial and municipal monuments (see also chapter 4.2.2).
The Cultural Heritage Agency (Rijksdienst voor het Cultuur Erfgoed, RCE) is part of the Ministry of Education, Culture and Science and connects policy, practice and science. The RCE is part of the Ministry of Education, Culture and Science, awards grants for monuments, historic buildings, archaeology and cultural landscapes, and implements the Heritage Act. The RCE is also a centre of expertise concerning the conservation and registration of museum collections. It manages part of the art collection of the government and supports the collection managers with knowledge, research and advice. The RCE also takes care of the online Collection Netherlands (Collectie Nederland) and is responsible for the Heritage Monitor (Erfgoedmonitor ) which presents facts and figures about cultural heritage in the Netherlands (basic facts in English: Heritage Data 2024).
The Mondriaan Fund gives grants for innovative projects, participation-projects, international collaboration in cultural heritage. The Fund for Cultural Participation also has programs for heritage volunteers.
The Information and Heritage Inspectorate, is an independent body, and ensures compliance with the law and promotes improvements to the care of cultural heritage. The Inspectorate takes action in the event of incidents and calamities, and advises the Minister of Culture on the quality and effectiveness of the legislation.
In his policy letter (2024) Minister Eppo Bruins gave his reaction on the Policy Evaluation Heritage. The evaluation concluded that, generally speaking, Dutch historic and cultural heritage was in fairly good condition. However, the research pointed to series of improvements addressed in in the letter. Some were more or less technical improvements of the Act (like definitions, clarifications), others included research on the improvement of some policy measures. Examples are the threat posed by spatial challenges (climate, energy, housing development) to significant cultural landscapes, and the limited capacity and expertise in the field of heritage within municipalities and provinces.
The importance of heritage for national identity is a returning focus in Dutch cultural policy. In 2006 after intense public and political discussions about its necessity, the Canon of the Netherlands was developed: an overview of important events, people, texts, artworks and objects from the Dutch history. Another example is the development of a new National Historical Museum, initiated by the parliament years ago, and incorporated into the coalition agreement of the Cabinet Balkenende IV (2007-2010). Due to budget cuts on culture in 2012 the realisation of the museum was abandoned. In the Coalition agreement of the Cabinet Rutte IV (2022-2024), the idea re-appeared in the form of the intention “to contribute to a National Historical Museum”. In developing the idea, this time the starting point was not to construct a new building, but rather to undertake activities aimed at increasing interest in Dutch history. (policy letter 2023 State Secretary Gunay Uslu).
Reconsidering the Dutch colonial past lead to a contribution of the national government to The National Museum of Slavery, to be developed in Amsterdam. Another policy includes the Repatriation of cultural heritage from a colonial context, that started in 2022, after an advice of the Council for Culture. In February 2025, the Colonial Collections Commission advised on the restitution of 113 'Benin Bronzes' to Nigeria. The Colonial Collections Consortium supports institutions administering collections in provenance research by sharing knowledge.
The Netherlands ratified the Faro Convention on the Value for Cultural Heritage for Society. Dutch Heritage Agency coordinates a program (in Dutch) that focus on heritage as a medium for memories and identities, and as a contributor to social cohesion, well-being, and health.
Since 2019, the ministers of education, culture, and science from Aruba, Curaçao, Sint Maarten, and the Netherlands have held annual consultations. In this context, a joint working group on intangible heritage was established in 2023.
More information on heritage and heritage policy: Cultuurmonitor – Heritage and Heritage Data 2024)
Last update: March, 2026
Archives
The Dutch archival system consists of the archives of the larger municipalities, the Regional Historical Centres, which manage the archives of provinces, water boards, and smaller municipalities. The National Archives manages the state archives and serves as a knowledge centre for digital sustainability. It works together with the National Archives of Suriname and the archives in the Caribbean part of the Kingdom. Key themes in recent years have included digitisation—such as the creation of e-depot facilities—the shift from archiving after the fact to archiving at the source, open data, and information security.
A new Archives Act was passed by the House of Representatives on 18 February 2025. This Act replaces the 1995 Archives Act and is designed to better align with the government’s digital information management. Key changes include shortening the transfer period for permanently preserved government information from 20 to 10 years, and clarifying responsibilities for digital information management (see for more details on the new act chapter 4.2.2).
Libraries
The Dutch library network consists of 133 public libraries and 3.6 million members in 2023. In 2015 a new libraries act (Library Service Act) aimed to create a comprehensive network of libraries, both physical and digital. The law described five social functions of the public library: making knowledge and information available; providing opportunities for development and education; promoting reading and introducing people to literature; organising meetings and debates; and introducing people to art and culture. The evaluation of the law in 2020 showed that the physical library network had declined. There are municipalities and neighbourhoods without a public library, and too many situations where a library is present but insufficiently equipped (building, staff, collection, opening hours, activities). The Rutte IV Cabinet (2022–2024) therefore decided to include a duty of care in the law. From 2026 onwards, municipalities and provinces must ensure there are sufficient, fully functioning libraries. Funding for this duty of care will be provided through the Municipal Fund. In 2023 and 2024, the Cabinet allocated additional funds for municipalities without a public library. The special municipalities that make up the Caribbean Netherlands also received extra funding for their libraries. There is broad political consensus on these measures. At the time of writing this Compendium Profile, the law is in the consultation phase.
The KB is the National Library of the Netherlands. Since the foundation in 1798 the aim has been to collect as many publications as possible that were written in or about the Netherlands. The repository stores over 120 kilometres of written – and increasingly digital - heritage. The e-Depot contains some 40 million digital newspapers, books, magazines, e-books and websites. Together with the public libraries the KB promotes reading, digital inclusion and lifelong development, including the library for people with a reading disability. The KB hosts services such as the Online Public Library, Delpher (digital database of historical newspapers and books) and DBNL (the Digital Library for Dutch Literature).
For more information, see the Library Monitor (Bibliotheekmonitor ) and the Culture Monitor.https://www.cultuurmonitor.nl/en/domein/letteren/
Last update: March, 2026
A group of performing arts organisations receive direct state funding via the national basic infrastructure (BIS). In 2025-2028 these included: 9 theatre companies. 5 dance companies, 3 opera companies, 9 festivals, 7 choirs and music ensembles (including one rock band), 9 symphony orchestras and 13 youth performing arts companies (see also chapter 1.1).
The Performing Arts Fund NL supports other individuals and cultural institutions in performing arts. There are grants for text and composition, producing (including new talents), programming of venues and festivals, international activities (including coproductions and presentations abroad). A group of festivals and institutions gets multi-year grants. Each subsidy has its own rules and criteria. In recent years, there has been more focus on the geographical distribution of the grants.
The maintenance and management of theatre, music and opera buildings is the responsibility of the local government (see chapter 1.2.4), but the performing arts funds gives specific programming support to stimulate talent and innovation.
Over the years, the government’s support-system in the performing arts has become more open to non-mainstream music forms and the classical canon. In the BIS-period 2021-2024, the band The Staat became the first rock group to be part of the BIS. The performing Arts Fund has for example grants for Music hubs (for pop, hip hop_and dance).
For more information, see Culture Monitor – performing arts.
Last update: March, 2026
A group of visual arts organisations receive direct state funding via the national basic infrastructure (BIS). In 2025-2028, these included 6 presentatie-instellingen (non-profit art venues without an own collection) and 4 post-academic institutions (institutions where talented artists are supported in developing their art practice after finishing art school) (see also chapter 1.1).
There are 61 museums specialized in visual arts, of which some are funded based on the Heritage Act (such as the Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam), and some are funded by a local government (like Museum Boijmans Van Beuningen in Rotterdam).
The Mondriaan Fund aims to stimulate the development and visibility of the visual arts and cultural heritage in the Netherlands. It provides financial support in areas where a profitable market does not exist (yet). Many of the Mondriaan Fund's grants are aimed at encouraging cooperation between organisations, artists, mediators, clients and/or other private or public parties. It grants funding for various target groups and areas including visual artists, institutions, mediators of clients in the visual arts and/or cultural heritage fields. Furthermore, it organises development programmes for promotion and innovation in the visual arts, such as the Prix de Rome. The Mondriaan Fund is also responsible for the Dutch entries for the Venice Biennale.
There are 451 galleries (2025) in The Netherlands, including 9 that only work online. A group of around 100 galleries participated in a private arts buyers’ scheme (Kunst Koop) executed by The Mondrian Fund. Through the latter, people can buy art on credit without interest.
The Mondriaan Fund also manages the National Acquisition Fund for Museums (Nationaal aankoopfonds). These investments are meant for museums to purchase artworks of national interest.
The Indemnity Scheme is a government arrangement, established in 2005, whereby the State guarantees compensation for damage of artworks on loan. Instead of the lending museum or institution taking out insurance themselves, the State provides a guarantee (indemnity) that covers the financial risks. This makes it more attractive for museums to lend valuable objects for exhibitions, both nationally and internationally. In 2022, the insurable volume was increased from €150 million to €450 million.
The Decentralization Grant for Visual Arts and Design has been renewed for the period 2025–2028. The scheme is administered by the Ministry of Education, Culture and Science (OCW) and is intended to support municipalities in promoting visual arts and design at the local level. An amount of €13.5 million has been allocated, and municipalities are expected to match this funding.
Through the Percentage Scheme for Visual Arts (Percentageregeling – in Dutch), the Dutch Government Real Estate Agency is the largest commissioner of visual art in the Netherlands. This scheme means that when building, renovating, or purchasing real estate, a percentage of the budget is allocated to art. The percentage is linked to the size of the budget. The scheme applies when the construction or renovation budget exceeds €1,000,000. The Percentage Scheme has resulted in an extensive collection of more than 5,000 artworks. The collection includes sculptures, photographs, paintings, installations, and other forms of art in and around government buildings.
For more details, see Culture Monitor – Visual Arts and Collectieve Selfie #5.
Last update: March, 2026
In The Netherlands there are roughly two approaches to “culture and/or creative industries”. Both are used, depending on the users aim, and on the methodological choices:
- the broadest one including all cultural and creative activities, subsidised or not (“cultural and creative sector” or “culture and media sector”)
- a specific commercial part of the sector, where creativity is used as the most important production factor (“creative industries”)
The basic tripartition is: creative business services (e.g. enterprises of product designers, architects, fashion designers, digital designers, graphic designers and photographers), media and entertainment (e.g. enterprises of publishers, game developers, film-, television- and radio makers, DJ’s and VJ’s) and arts and cultural heritage (e.g. enterprises of museums, monuments, performing and visual arts, writers). The ”cultural and creative sector” includes all three, whereas “creative industries” includes more or less creative business services and media and entertainment. The Monitor Creative Industries (Monitor Creatieve Industrie ), a series of studies 2014-2023, used this tripartition to describe detailed information on the development of the creative industries in the Netherlands. The edition 2023 concludes: “from 2012 through 2022, job growth in the creative industries averaged 2.7 percent per year. In that same period, the number of jobs in the overall economy grew by an average of 1.2 percent per year. (...) The strongest job growth within the creative industries is attributable to creative business services, particularly in design.”
Statistics Netherlands (CBS) used in the Satellite Account a comparable broad demarcation of the sector, but used another methodology based on goods and services as used in the National Accounts. One of the advantages is the possibility to estimate the creative work of professionals outside the cultural and creative sector (e.g. the designer in the car industry). With this methodology a better estimation can be made of the economic significance of the sector. The gross value added from the production of cultural and media products and services amounted to €33 billion in 2022 (3.3 percent of GDP). The labor input for this production was 4.1 percent of total employment in the Netherlands (see for more details Satellite Account 2022 – in Dutch, and Satellite Account 2018 – English version).
In 2011, the central government marked the Dutch creative industry as one of the nine top sectors and these sectors were all accompanied by specific top sector policy and a so-called Top Consortium for Knowledge and Innovation (TKI). For the creative industry this was CLICKNL. The creative industry was supported by the Ministry of Economic Affairs and The Ministry of Education, Culture and Science. The aim of the creative top sector was to develop innovative services and products by collaborating with creative professionals and research institutions. The government argued that the flexible and out-of-the-box way of thinking of the creative industry is of importance for challenging social issues.
With the establishment of the creative industry as a top sector, the Creative Industries Fund NL started operating in 2013, as the national cultural fund for design, architecture and digital culture. The fund aims to “enhance the quality of design practice, strengthen the creative sector as a whole and connect design talent to other disciplines and sectors” by offering professionals scope to experiment, research and make.
In 2013, three creative industry institutes merged into Het Nieuwe Instituut (The New Institute) as a platform for the creative industry and a museum for the design sector. It organises exhibitions, lectures and fellowships and carries out research and development programmes.
The Top Sectors have evolved into a “Mission-Driven Innovation Policy,” with Knowledge and Innovation Agendas (KIAs) linked to specific missions. Current policy is set out in the Knowledge and Innovation Covenant (KIC) 2024–2027 (Kennis- en Innovatieconvenant (KIC) 2024–2027) which contains agreements between the national government, businesses, knowledge institutions, and other partners on joint investments in research and innovation. For the creative industries, the Ministry of Education, Culture and Science focuses on the design disciplines through the following activities: (1) schemes via The Creative Industries Fund; (2) the Power of design Agenda 2024–2027 (Agenda Ontwerpkracht); (3) the Spacial Desighn Action Program (Actieagenda Ruimtelijk Ontwerp 2024-2027); and (4) the Public Design Practice Program (PONT).
Last update: March, 2026
A group of literature organisations receive direct state funding via the national basic infrastructure (BIS). In 2025-2028 these included: 1 festival, 2 institutions for literature promotion and one knowledge institution on reading and reading promotion (see also chapter 1.1).
The Dutch Foundation for Literature supports writers and translators, and promotes Dutch literature abroad. It invests in the quality and diversity of Dutch literature through grants for writers, translators, publishers and festivals, and contributes to the production and distribution of Dutch and Frisian literature both at home and abroad. It aims to promote a thriving literary climate, embedded in literary history and attuned to the latest developments in the publishing industry.
Dutch Reading Foundation (Stichting Lezen) promotes reading, both in Dutch and in Friesian, with priority to the age group up to 18. It aligns existing activities and encourages the development of new and original initiatives, methods and tools that are instrumental in reading and reading promotion. This includes the promotion of scientific research in this particular field. Since 1998 the foundation has a chair in Reading Behaviour, which is associated with the VU University Amsterdam.
Literatuurmuseum (Literature Museum) focuses on the literary heritage of the Netherlands. It is one of the museums funded on the basis of the Heritage Act.
Since 2016 KVB Boekwerk is knowledge and innovation centre for the Dutch book trade, encompassing publishers, booksellers, distributors, and related organizations. It originated through an agreement between the KVB (Royal Dutch Booksellers and Publishers Association), CPNB (Collective Promotion for the Dutch Book), Stichting Lezen, the Dutch Foundation for Literature and the Minister of Education, Culture and Science. The main aim is to combine all the available (market) data, thereby improving the sector’s ability to position itself quantitatively, economically, socially and culturally.
The Netherlands is also an active participant in the annual Frankfurt Book Fair, which is considered an important event for putting Dutch literature on the map internationally.
Dutch policy on literature includes policies on a public library network and National Library (KB) (see chapter 3.2).
The Netherlands has an Act on Fixed Booked Prices (Wet op de Vaste Boekenprijs). A recent evaluation concludes that the aims of the act have been achieved. The Minister has decided to continue the Act (see chapter 4.2.5).
To promote (literary) reading, the Ministry of Education, Culture and Science (OCW) launched the Kunst van Lezen (Art of Reading) program in 2008, which is still in operation. It consists of four components: 1) BoekStart, a method to familiarise very young children with books and reading; (2) the Library at School, aimed at primary, secondary and secondary vocational education, teacher education programs; (3) network development for reading promotion; (4) reading promotion activities for people who are not fluent in Dutch.
Kunst van Lezen was incorporated in 2016 into the Tel mee met Taal (Go Along with Language, 2016–2024) programme, through which the ministries of Education, Culture and Science; Health, Welfare and Sport; Social Affairs and Employment; and the Interior and Kingdom Relations combined their policies in the field of language proficiency.
The Netherlands performs comparatively well internationally when it comes to basic skills (literacy, numeracy, problem-solving skills), ranking in the top five on average scores. Nevertheless, about 3 million Dutch people still struggle with these skills (PIAAC 2023). In her letter to Parliament of 11 July 2025, Strengthening Basic Skills for Adults from 2025, State Secretary Mariëlle Paul outlined the current policy. The main elements are the continuation and structural embedding of the Tel mee met Taal approach, with greater attention to working adults. Libraries also play an important role in strengthening basic skills for adults, while the preventive approach of the Kunst van Lezen program will be continued.
See for press chapter 3.5.3 audiovisual end interactive media and chapter 2.5.3 Media pluralism and content diversity
See for more information: Culture Monitor - literature
Last update: March, 2026
For information on broadcasting and audiovisual policy, see chapters 1 cultural policy system; chapter 2.5.3 media pluralism and chapter 4.2.6 audiovisual legislation.
Media funds
Dutch Journalism Fund (Stimuleringsfonds voor de Journalistiek) encourages the quality, diversity and independence of journalism by promoting the renewal of journalistic infrastructure in the Netherlands through funding programs, sharing knowledge, conducting research and hosting events. The Dutch Journalism Fund is an independent administrative body (ZBO) and receives an annual contribution from the Ministry of Education, Culture and Science.
The Co-production Fund for Domestic Broadcasting Foundation (Co-productiefonds Binnenlandse Om CoBO ) is tasked with collecting and distributing funds that the national public broadcasters receive for the broadcasting of their programmes, as well as funds originating from other sources. The funds collected are used to co-finance audiovisual co-production projects of the national public broadcasters. In this way CoBO is an internal allocation mechanism of the NPO.
The Fonds Bijzondere Journalistieke Projecten (BJP Fund) was established in 1990 by and for journalists. The fund supports journalists with grants and fellowships for talent development and for special, in-depth journalistic projects. The fund is part of the cultural basic infrastructure (BIS).)
Games
There is limited cultural policy for games in the Netherlands, with an emphasis on artistic, educational, and experimental games within the creative industries. However, there is (still) no comprehensive or structural policy that supports games as full-fledged cultural heritage in the same way as film or the performing arts.
Several Universities of Applied Sciences train game designers: HKU Utrecht, Hogeschool van Amsterdam, Hogeschool Rotterdam and Breda Universiy of applies sciences.
Creative Industries Fund NL regularly supports game-related projects, particularly those with an artistic or social focus. In the past, a dedicated Game Fund (2008–2012) stimulated game development, especially at the intersection of art, culture, and innovation. While that fund was discontinued, the Film Fund has supported a number of game projects again since 2022 through the “Digital Culture” scheme.
See for more information: Culture Monitor - games
Film industry
A group of film organisations receive direct state funding via the national basic infrastructure (BIS). In 2025-2028 these included: 4 festivals, 1 supporting institution /film museum (see also chapter 1.1).
EYE Film Museum is part of the BIS as supporting institution for the film sector. In this role, Eye assists film professionals with a wide range of services and products. Programmers, researchers, filmmakers, and film restorers can turn to Eye for research, rentals, and expertise in the field of promotion. Eye established a Chair in Film Heritage and Digital Film Culture at the University of Amsterdam (UvA) and collaborates with the UvA in professional education, (international) research projects, the annual Eye International Conference and public lectures. Eye offers educational programs for all levels of education. With the Network Film education knowledge is shared about film education and media literacy with professionals in education. For its museum function, Eye is supported on the basis of the Heritage Act.
The Netherlands Film Fund is the national cultural fund for the professional, independent film sector in the Netherlands and the Caribbean part of the Kingdom. It provides financial support for the development, production and distribution of film productions and film-related activities. The fund offers various support schemes for the production of feature films, documentaries, animation and shorts, and The Netherlands Film Production Incentive for cinema or television/VOD broadcast.
The Netherlands Film Commission, a division of the Netherlands Film Fund, “is the official liaison between the Dutch creative media industries and foreign producers and production companies.” (…) the general resource for all film related inquiries such as locations, permits and Dutch incentive production companies. The commissioner is matchmaker and can advise on financing possibilities of the Film Fund, including the cash rebate.”
The Dutch government has a special agreement with the film industry to promote the production of Dutch films (btw-convenant Film 2018). In exchange for a lower VAT rate on cinema tickets, Dutch film distributors and cinema operators will make more money available for the production of Dutch film through the Abraham Tuschinski Fonds (see also 4.1.4. tax laws)
A recent policy to counterbalance the dominance of the big commercial American streaming services is the Act on the Investment Obligation for Audiovisual Content, starting from 1 January 2024. (see chapter 4.2.6)
See for more information: Culture Monitor – audiovisual and Film Facts & Figures (Filmfund)
Last update: March, 2026
A group of music organisations receive direct state funding via the national basic infrastructure (BIS) (see chapter 3.1 performing arts)
The Performing Arts Fund NL supports other individuals and cultural institutions in performing arts, including music. There are grants for text and composition, producing (including new talents), programming of venues and festivals, international activities (including coproductions and presentations abroad). A group of festivals and institutions gets multi-year grants. Each subsidy has its own rules and criteria. Last year, there was more focus on the geographical distribution of the grants.
An example is the pop music project Upstream, which is a collaboration with Sena (the organisation that manages the rights of performers and producers), intended for artists who have been active for some time and have established a solid foundation. The grant can be used to make a leap towards a larger audience and increased income.
The Popcoalitie (Pop Coalition) is a collaboration between a large number of organisations in the Dutch pop music industry. Since 2014, pop music, as part of the Dutch creative industry, has been part of the top sector policy. In this sector, the Netherlands is an innovative producer and a successful export country, with a high chance of further success in the future. Dutch Music Export is an initiative of the Popcoalitie, the Performing Arts Fund and Buma Cultuur, and aims to strengthen the international position of Dutch pop music within the global music sector. Its activities include information, marketing and financial support.
In parliament, attention has been drawn to profiteering in the resale of admission tickets. request was made to examine the possibility of introducing a ban on resales. In March 2025, Minister Eppo Bruins reported his findings and concluded that he did not wish to proceed with national legislation. Research had shown that the scale of the problem was relatively limited, that little insight could be gained into the effectiveness (enforceability) of legal measures, and that it was unclear whether measures elsewhere in Europe had been effective. Moreover, the issue of resale is cross-border in nature, making national legislation ineffective
See for more information: Culture Monitor – music
Last update: March, 2026
Design and creative services include fashion design, graphic design, interior design, landscape design, architectural services and advertising services. Most of these services operate in the market without cultural policy. Government policy focuses on innovation and talent development, and on the contribution of design disciplines to solving urgent societal challenges.
A group of organisations receive direct state funding via the national basic infrastructure (BIS).
- Festivals, including a festival for design (the Dutch Design Week), a festival for architecture (International Architecture Biennale Rotterdam) and festval/platform for fashion (State of Fashion).
- Two research institutions “Future lab design and technology” (next Nature Network and Waag Future Lab).
- A supporting institution for the design sector: Het Nieuwe Instituut (The New Institute). Het Nieuwe Instituut also organises exhibitions, lectures, fellowships and carries out research and development programmes. It also functions as a museum for architecture, design and digital culture and is funded on the basis of the Heritage Act.
The contribution of creative industries to the mission driven innovation policy focus on the contribution of design disciplines to solving urgent societal challenges. In the Kennis- en Innovatieconvenant (KIC) 2024–2027 (Knowledge and Innovation Agreement – in Dutch) agreements have been made between the national government, businesses, knowledge institutions, and other partners on joint investments in research and innovation. (see chapter 3.5.1)
The Creative Industries Fund NL is the national cultural fund for design, architecture and digital culture. It finances innovative design projects of makers and cultural institutions in the creative industry. (see chapter 3.5.1)
The professional titles of architect, urban planner, interior architect and garden and landscape architect have been protected by the Architects' Title Act (WAT) since 1988. The Architects' Register, supported by the Ministry of Education, Culture and Science, implements the law and manages the official registration of architects.
For more information, see Culture Monitor Architecture and Design
Last update: March, 2026
The Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate Policy supervises the Department of Tourism and Recreation. The promotion of The Netherlands is managed by NBTC Holland Marketing.
The government currently does not particularly promote creative tourism, but it’s well known that many creative events and cultural institutions attract thousands of tourists. Of the 31.3 million visitors to Dutch museums in 2023, 27 percent came from abroad. Other examples are the Dutch Design Week, International Film Festival Rotterdam and Pinkpop.