Call for Project Proposals: Cultures in Dialogue (Egypt and Netherlands)

Deadline: 07-Feb-2026

The Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Egypt Cultural Cooperation Grant supports long-term cultural projects that strengthen collaboration between Egyptian and Dutch cultural organisations. The programme funds arts, heritage, and creative industry initiatives that promote intercultural dialogue, sustainability, and knowledge exchange. Grants range from €50,000 to €100,000, with projects lasting 12–24 months and ending by July 2028.

Overview of the Call

The Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Egypt invites Egyptian and Dutch cultural organisations to submit proposals for unique, collaborative, and long-term cultural projects.

The programme aims to deepen bilateral cultural cooperation, enhance intercultural dialogue, and strengthen the visibility of the Dutch cultural sector in Egypt while empowering local cultural ecosystems in both countries.

Key Objectives of the Programme

The grant programme is designed to:

• Strengthen cultural exchange and cooperation between Egypt and the Netherlands

• Support and empower Egyptian and Dutch cultural sectors

• Promote sustainable preservation of tangible and intangible cultural heritage

• Encourage intercultural dialogue and knowledge exchange

• Contribute to social and cultural development

• Enhance the positive visibility of Dutch culture in Egypt

Priority Focus Areas

Projects must align with one or more of the following thematic areas:

• Arts and culture

• Tangible and intangible cultural heritage

• Creative and cultural industries

• Sustainability and climate-aware cultural practices

• Intercultural dialogue and social cohesion

• Knowledge sharing and professional exchange

Eligible Artistic and Cultural Fields

The programme supports projects in a wide range of cultural disciplines, including:

• Cultural heritage

• Design and architecture

• Visual arts

• Performing arts

• Music

• Film and audioVisual arts

Types of Projects Supported

Eligible project formats include:

• Artistic co-productions and collaborations

• Workshops, training programmes, and masterclasses

• Knowledge-exchange activities and study trips

• Research-based cultural exchange projects

• Creative industry initiatives

• Public cultural events, festivals, and exhibitions

Projects should demonstrate long-term impact, not one-off activities.

Funding Amount and Project Duration

• Grant size: €50,000–€100,000 per project

• Project duration: 12–24 months

• Project end date: No later than July 2028

• Total budget: May exceed the requested grant amount

Budgets must be realistic, well-justified, and include fair remuneration for artists and project teams.

Who Is Eligible to Apply?

Eligible applicants include organisations based in Egypt or the Netherlands, such as:

• Cultural institutions

• Artist collectives

• Non-governmental organisations (NGOs)

• Social organisations with a strong cultural component

All projects must demonstrate active collaboration between Egyptian and Dutch partners.

Eligible and Ineligible Costs

Eligible Costs

• Educational and training activities

• Capacity-building initiatives

• Talks, lectures, and public discussions

• Fees and salaries for artists and project staff

• Equipment directly related to the project

Ineligible Costs

• Commercial or profit-oriented activities

• Projects consisting solely of travel costs

• Activities unrelated to the cultural objectives

How the Application Process Works

1. Develop a joint project concept with Egyptian and Dutch partners

2. Define objectives, activities, expected outcomes, and long-term impact

3. Prepare a detailed and justified budget

4. Ensure compliance with legal and policy requirements

5. Submit the proposal to the Embassy within the call deadline

6. Applications are assessed within 8 weeks (extendable by 2 weeks)

7. Applicants are notified by email of approval, partial funding, or rejection

Not all submitted proposals will be approved.

Selection Criteria

Projects are evaluated based on:

• Artistic and cultural quality

• Expected long-term impact and sustainability

• Alignment with policy and cultural cooperation goals

• Budget transparency and justification

• Organisational capacity and partner expertise

• Compliance with legal and administrative requirements

Priority Considerations

Special attention is given to projects that:

• Use interdisciplinary or art-based approaches

• Promote sustainability, diversity, inclusion, and gender equality

• Actively engage youth, minority, and displaced communities

• Involve the general public or reach people with limited access to culture

Why This Grant Matters

Cultural cooperation plays a vital role in:

• Strengthening diplomatic and people-to-people relations

• Supporting inclusive cultural development

• Preserving shared and diverse heritage

• Expanding access to arts and culture

This programme provides a platform for meaningful, lasting cultural partnerships between Egypt and the Netherlands.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Proposing short-term or one-off activities

• Submitting unrealistic or poorly justified budgets

• Lacking clear collaboration between Egyptian and Dutch partners

• Failing to demonstrate long-term cultural impact

Tips for a Strong Proposal

• Clearly define the collaborative roles of each partner

• Demonstrate long-term value beyond the project timeline

• Ensure fair pay and ethical working practices

• Align activities with the programme’s cultural and policy objectives

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Who funds this cultural grant programme?

The Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Egypt.

2. How much funding can be requested?

Between €50,000 and €100,000 per project.

3. How long can projects run?

Projects must last 12 to 24 months.

4. When must projects be completed?

All projects must end no later than July 2028.

5. Who can apply?

Egyptian and Dutch cultural organisations, NGOs, institutions, and artist collectives.

6. Are commercial cultural projects eligible?

No. Commercial or profit-driven activities are not eligible for funding.

7. How long does the review process take?

Applications are processed within 8 weeks, with a possible 2-week extension.

Conclusion

The Netherlands–Egypt Cultural Cooperation Grant Programme offers substantial support for long-term, high-impact cultural projects that foster collaboration, sustainability, and intercultural dialogue. By investing in creative partnerships, the programme strengthens cultural ecosystems and deepens bilateral relations between Egypt and the Netherlands.

For more information, visit Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Egypt.