With Upwards! we invest in the future of culture. Funding for culture in the Netherlands is under pressure. This makes it difficult for institutions in Gelderland to grow, reach more audiences, and share knowledge. This is a risk for the entire cultural sector because knowledge and experience may be lost.
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Published on: 10 December 2025

In January 2026, the Gelderland program Upwards! will start. This program helps cultural organizations to grow. This strengthens the cultural sector in Gelderland and keeps culture of high quality and accessible to everyone.

Support for Development

The program helps cultural institutions that are between the established top segment and the starting organizations. This 3-year program provides support to 3 to 5 institutions annually. They receive funding, coaching, and advice to develop professionally. The focus is on digital, organizational, or financial development. This way, they work on a broader offer for a larger audience. Participants are individually guided but are also part of a network where they share knowledge and collaborate. National opportunities are also considered. This positions Gelderland as an important region for innovation in culture, with strong and reliable cultural institutions of high quality.

Cultuur Oost

We finance the Gelderland program Upwards! and Cultuur Oost executes it. From 5 January 2026, organizations can register for participation. More information about the program and submitting an application is available on the Cultuur Oost website.