Municipalities Join Forces for Culture and Heritage

Through this collaboration, the municipalities aim to strengthen the cultural infrastructure in the Liemers and Betuwse Waard regions and provide more opportunities for residents to share stories, develop creativity, and give meaning to heritage. 

Culture Participation and Storytelling

The collaboration focuses on making regional stories visible and encouraging participation in culture and heritage. Not just watching or listening, but actively involving residents: creating, experimenting, sharing stories, organizing activities, participating, or co-creating something new. “Stories from residents form the basis of our identity. By giving space to these stories and new initiatives, we strengthen not only the cultural sector but also the connection within our region,” says Alderman Evert Westerbeek of the Municipality of Overbetuwe. The municipalities align with the principles of the Faro Convention, which centers not on heritage itself but on the value people assign to it. Heritage communities, education, and the social domain play important roles in the program.

Strengthening and Future-Proofing the Cultural Sector

A budget of €450,000 is available for the implementation of the multi-year program. Half of this is funded by the participating municipalities, the other half by the province of Gelderland. The funds are used to develop new stories, strengthen collaborations, and future-proof the regional cultural sector. Alderman Westerbeek: “With this program, we show that through cooperation we can give a significant boost to a sustainable cultural sector.”

Space for Project and Stimulation Contributions

The program allows room for both larger regional projects and smaller stimulation contributions. Projects are developed as much as possible from the bottom up: ideas come from residents, creators, local organizations, and other initiators.

From December 1, 2025, organizations can apply through the Stimulation Scheme. More information can be found at www.levenindeliemers.nl. 

During the meeting at Fort Pannerden, various organizations shared inspiring examples of initiatives that have emerged in the region. The involved officials also jointly signed the value voucher that officially confirmed the collaboration.