The Urgency of International Cultural Cooperation Amid Global Cuts

The Dutch government is considering major cuts to international cultural cooperation, putting vital programs at risk. Culture is the thread that holds communities together, yet without action, decades of progress in cultural collaboration could be erased. These programs do more than fund artistic projects—they provide lifelines to those using culture to document war, preserve heritage, and inspire communities. Now more than ever, we must stand together to protect cultural collaboration and the future it helps shape.

International cultural cooperation has long been a key part of the Netherlands’ global engagement. These programs empower artists, activists, and communities to foster dialogue and address global challenges. The proposed cuts would not only erase opportunities but weaken the country’s role in supporting cultural resilience worldwide. At a time of rising geopolitical tensions, conflict, and economic hardship, stepping back from cultural collaboration would be a step in the wrong direction. The Prince Claus Fund and Cultural Emergency Response have issued a joint statement in English & Dutch here.

For nearly 30 years, the Prince Claus Fund and Cultural Emergency Response have safeguarded cultural heritage and supported artists in times of crisis. These efforts have not just preserved history—they have strengthened societies. Over 2,965 projects in 144 countries show firsthand how culture sustains communities, fosters resilience, and drives recovery. Now is the time to continue building, not dismantling, the cultural connections that sustain us all.

Photo by Manuel Casanova.