Creative Twinning

Cultural freedoms are under severe pressure in the EU border regions. This also puts a strain on the relationship between these countries and Europe. Creatives and artists are becoming isolated. It’s also becoming increasingly difficult to participate in a diverse cultural life, especially in countries harboring large numbers of immigrants and refugees. An open dialog about cultural differences is sometimes replaced by cultural confrontations, or even intentional cultural destruction.

With the subsidy scheme Creative Twinning the Dutch government assists in the development of cultural activities in the EU’s border regions. It’s intended to lead to more stability in the involved countries and contribute to a flourishing cultural sector with social significance. Creative Twinning connects people with different cultural backgrounds. In doing so, the subsidy scheme contributes to stronger mutual ties, more trust and better communication between the Netherlands and the countries involved.

A Creative Twinning Project contributes to:
• a more vigorous local cultural sector, focusing on social innovation;
• more cultural participation by youngsters between the ages of 15 and 24;
• a safer and more sustainable urban living environment;
• sustainable preservation of local cultural heritage.

The cultural activities are aimed at youngsters between 15 and 24 years old, in countries bordering the European Economic Space. These may include activities in the fields of the visual arts, stage arts, film and literary arts, but also multidisciplinary art forms, cultural heritage, and the design sectors architecture, design and new media.

Practical information:
Collaboration is a key component of Creative Twinning projects, since the scheme focuses on increasing trust and improving communication between the Netherlands and the EU’s border countries. One condition for Creative Twinning subsidy therefore is that your organization is engaged in a partnership (alliance).

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. The Creative Twinning scheme is open from 24 January until 31 August, 2018.

For more information about the terms and conditions for collaboration and the application procedure for the scheme, visit the RvO website.