Describe the main features of the policy/measure:
Since the outbreak of COVID-19 in 2020, the Dutch central government has helped to sustain the cultural and creative sectors. The cabinet has reserved USD 1.098.534.966 (EUR 906.000.000) to support individuals, institutions and businesses in the cultural and creative sectors. Apart from this specific support, there are general measures from the government, in which the cultural and creative sectors had a share of USD 1.333.762 (EUR 1.100.000).
The overall goal is to maintain as much employment and institutions and work for artists as possible.
The cultural sector can use the general package of measures adopted by the government from mid-March 2020. These include reductions in working hours for employees, additional support for freelancers and tax measures.
In addition, at the end of March 2020 a leniency package for the cultural sector was implemented.
In April 2020, the Dutch central government made an additional USD 363.753.300 (EUR 300.000.000) available for the cultural sector. This first support package was intended to help cultural institutions that are vital to the sector through the financially difficult first months of the corona crisis. It enabled them to invest in the coming cultural season. In this way, the government supports the cultural sector and maintains the unique Dutch artistic product. This additional support also aims to maintain employment in this sector as much as possible.
In August, the Dutch Ministry of Education, Culture and Science announced a second support package of USD 584.430.302 (EUR 482.000.000) in financial aid for the cultural sector.
In February 2021, a third support package of USD 29.100.264 (EUR 24.000.000) was presented, aimed to help individual artists with additional money for various cultural funds.
In June 2022, the government announced a fourth support package with a total amount of USD 178.542.245 (EUR 147.250.000).
More details can be found in the Compendium for Cultural Policies and Trends, the website of Dutch Culture and web pages of the Dutch central government.
Website of the policy/measure, if available:
What are the results achieved so far through the implementation of the policy/measure?:
The results of the first support package show that the extra funding has helped to maintain important institutions in the Dutch basic cultural infrastructure. With these preliminary results, the overall goals of this first support package - sustaining cultural organisations through support and preserving jobs - appear to have been reached.
Financial resources allocated to the policy/measure in USD:
USD 1.098.534.966 (EUR 906.000.000) to support individuals, institutions and businesses in the cultural and creative sectors.
General measures from the government, in which the cultural and creative sectors had a share of USD 1.333.762 (EUR 1.100.000).
Partner(s) engaged in the implementation of the measure:
| Name of partner | Type of entity |
|---|---|
Central government, provinces and municipalities, public funds
| Public Sector
|
Private funds
| Private Sector
|
Has the implementation of the policy/measure been evaluated?:
YES
If yes, what are the main conclusions/recommendations?:
There are preliminary results of the first package. Please see above.