Mutual Cultural Heritage
Over the years, the Netherlands has developed close ties with a number of countries. This resulted in many tangible as well as intangible heritage, collectively referred to by the term ‘mutual cultural heritage'.
The Netherlands government has developed a policy on shared cultural heritage in relation to eight priority countries. These countries are Brazil, Ghana, India, Indonesia, Russian Federation, Sri Lanka, South Africa and Surinam. To implement this policy the Dutch government developed a framework and allocated financial means.
When heritage institutions in the eight countries or heritage institutions in the Netherlands wish to apply for a grant within this framework, they can propose projects through the Netherlands embassies in the eight countries involved.
A copy of the framework shared cultural heritage, can be found here. This framework explains the criteria that should be met. The application form can be downloaded here.
Projects can be proposed to the Netherlands embassy in the country involved. Before applying for a grant it is advisable to contact the cultural attaché of the Netherlands embassy to inform whether the proposal meets the criteria.
Other persons you might contact are representatives of the Netherlands government at three departments; Nationaal Archief, Cultural Heritage Agency, Netherlands Institute for Cultural Heritage. You might also contact the Netherlands Institute for Heritage.