Cultural freedoms in the EU border regions are under severe pressure. This situation compromises the relationship between the European Union and its neighbours, and results in isolation of artists or other creative persons. Taking part in diverse cultural activities is also becoming more and more difficult in these areas, especially in countries that harbour large numbers of refugees and migrants. An open dialogue on cultural differences is sometimes replaced by cultural confrontation or even intentional cultural destruction.

Creative Twinning is a subsidy scheme which assists in the development of cultural activities in regions bordering the EU. These activities strengthen mutual links, increase trust and improve communication between the Netherlands and the countries involved.

Creative Twinning projects contribute to:

• a more vigorous local cultural sector, which can contribute to social innovation;
• more participation in cultural events by young people;
• a safer, more sustainable urban living environment;
• sustainable preservation of local cultural heritage.

Young people between the ages of 15 and 24 in countries bordering the EU are the target group of these cultural activities that relate to the visual arts, performing arts, film and literature. Projects involving multidisciplinary art forms, cultural heritage and the design sectors (architecture, creative design and new media) are also welcome to apply for a grant.

Criteria

A key component of Creative Twinning projects is collaboration, since the scheme focuses on increasing trust and improving communication between the Netherlands and EU neighbours. As a result, your organisation must be engaged in an alliance to be eligible for a Creative Twinning subsidy. Find out more about the criteria for collaboration.

Eligible countries

Projects from the following countries are eligible for Creative Twinning:

1. The project must be aimed at countries bordering the European Union;

2. Grants will not be awarded to projects:
   a. aimed at countries not served by an operational Dutch embassy;
   b. projects aimed at least developed countries (LDCs) as classified by OECD-DAC (pdf);
   c. to projects in Libanon, Mali and the Palestinian Authorities;
   d. and to European Economic Area member states.

Apply

The Creative Twinning scheme is open from 24 January 2018 until 31 August 2018. You can apply from 24 January 2018.

Budget

Each project may apply for a grant of between € 600,000 and € 1,400,000. 4 to 8 projects will receive a grant under the Creative Twinning scheme.

Background

Through the Creative Twinning scheme, the Dutch government subsidises cultural activities in the EU border regions. Such activities should increase the stability in these countries and contribute to a flourishing cultural sector of wider social significance. Creative Twinning seeks to connect people from different cultural backgrounds.

The Creative Twinning subsidy scheme was established by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Read more about the Creative Twinning policy framework, as published in the official government gazette (Staatscourant).

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