Cabinet takes step towards better cultural policy and less administrative burden

Minister Moes: “Many cultural institutions have been indispensable to our country for decades. Yet, in the current system, they must submit a very time-consuming subsidy application every 4 years. I want more peace and certainty, and less hassle and administration. So that as much money as we have for culture really goes to culture. Extending the maximum state subsidy period from 2029 is a good first step.”

Many cultural institutions receive subsidies from municipalities, provinces, or the state. The state currently finances 115 cultural institutions and 6 state cultural funds, which in turn grant subsidies to cultural organizations and initiatives across the country. The Ministry of Education, Culture and Science has that money in the budget, amounting to €618 million annually for the period 2025-2028.

Both the House of Representatives and the Council for Culture have urged the cabinet to adopt a longer subsidy period for state cultural subsidies starting in 2029. Various options have been explored, but ultimately the cabinet chooses a period of up to 8 years. This aligns best with the subsidy terms of municipalities and provinces and provides more certainty. This allows cultural institutions to plan and invest for longer, which is important for innovation and development. It also makes it easier for private parties to invest in cultural organizations, according to the Council for Culture. However, a subsidy of 8 years does not fit best for every party; shorter terms than 8 years remain possible.

The process to amend the law starts this autumn, so that the legislative amendment is ready in time to further prepare for the new subsidy period. The coming years are not only needed to amend the law but also to investigate whether application procedures can be simplified and the subsidy schemes can be optimally designed. For example, it is being examined how the money for culture is distributed across the country. Culture is important for everyone, and the cabinet believes it is important that everyone in the Netherlands has access to cultural facilities.