The evaluation of the 6 National Cultural Funds in the Netherlands

Publication date: 2 February 2024 | Report language: NL

Commissioned by the Ministry of Education, Culture and Science, a visitation committee evaluated the policy and daily practice of the 6 national cultural funds, namely the Cultural Participation Fund, the Performing Arts Fund, the Mondriaan Fund, the Netherlands Film Fund, the Dutch Foundation for Literature and the Creative Industries Fund NL.

The visitation covers an evaluation period of 5 years, from 2018 to 2022. A period that was characterized by major changes in the social and cultural field.  The committee received various studies from the funds, including a self-evaluation, a valuation survey of applicants, stakeholder interviews and a joint reflection. In September 2023, the review committee visited the funds individually, during which discussions were held with the managing director(s), representatives of the supervisory board, the MT, advisory committees, the Works Council/employee representative body and other employees. 

The committee’s overall opinion is very positive. “The committee notes that the funds are alert, flexible and expert in navigating a dynamic sector.” In the recommendations, the committee emphasizes “that it has a high appreciation for the current fund constellation. It is a unique combination of expertise and efficiency. That’s a valuable asset.” The report was recently presented to the Ministry of Education, Culture and Science.

The committee presented their final report to Barbera Wolfensberger, the DG Culture and Media of the Ministry of Education, Culture and Science. The commission was chaired by Mrs. Andrée van Es (holding the report). Technopolis Group Amsterdam director Geert van der Veen (far right) was a member of the evaluation committee.