The Creative Industries Fund NL International Vouchers Grant supports Dutch-based professionals in design, architecture, and digital culture who are invited by foreign organizations to present, lecture, or lead workshops abroad. The programme provides partial funding for travel, fees, and accommodation to strengthen international professional practice, visibility, and exchange, with decisions typically made within six weeks.
Overview
The International Vouchers Grant Programme, offered by the Creative Industries Fund NL, provides financial support to Dutch-based professionals working in design, architecture, and digital culture who are invited by a foreign party to carry out a professional activity abroad.
The grant is designed to enhance international exchange, professional development, and global visibility by contributing to costs related to presentations, lectures, workshops, and panel participation with a public component.
Purpose of the International Vouchers Grant
The programme aims to strengthen the international practice of creative professionals based in the Netherlands.
It supports activities that expand professional networks, increase the international impact of ongoing projects, and encourage cross-border knowledge exchange in the creative industries.
Fields and Disciplines Covered
The grant is open to professionals working in:
- Design
- Architecture
- Digital culture
This includes designers, architects, makers, and observers whose professional practice aligns with these disciplines.
Funding Amount and Duration
The amount of funding depends on the destination of the foreign activity.
Travel Within Europe
- Maximum duration supported: 2 days
- Maximum grant amount: €1,500
Travel Outside Europe
- Maximum duration supported: 4 days
- Maximum grant amount: €2,500
The grant is a contribution and does not necessarily cover all project expenses.
Eligible Activities
Funding is available for foreign activities that directly stem from and strengthen the applicant’s professional practice.
Eligible activities include:
- Giving a presentation or lecture with a public component at the invitation of a foreign party
- Leading or contributing to a workshop abroad
- Participating in an international panel discussion linked to professional practice
Eligible costs may include:
- Hourly or speaker fees
- Travel expenses
- Accommodation costs
- Other essential costs required to carry out the activity
Activities Not Eligible for Funding
The following activities are not supported under the International Vouchers scheme:
- Attending conferences solely as a visitor
- Participation in commercially oriented fairs
- Self-initiated research trips
- Activities within an educational framework
- Residency programmes or activities linked to a residency track
- Travel related to projects already funded by the Creative Industries Fund NL
Who Is Eligible to Apply?
The programme is open to:
- Dutch-based professional designers, architects, makers, and observers
- Cultural institutions, organisations, and collectives, provided the voucher is linked to one individual
Important eligibility conditions include:
- Only one International Voucher per applicant per calendar year
- The same one-voucher-per-year rule applies to institutions, organisations, and collectives
Key Assessment Conditions
Applications are assessed based on four mandatory conditions.
In the past five years, the applicant must have received a positive assessment from the Creative Industries Fund NL, excluding previous International Vouchers.
A motivated and relevant invitation from a foreign party is required.
The inviting foreign party must contribute a proportionate share of the activity’s costs.
The application must clearly demonstrate how the purpose and structure of the foreign activity strengthen the applicant’s international professional practice.
Once these conditions are met, the applicant is invited for a short digital interview with the Fund.
Decision Timeline
After the digital interview, a funding decision is generally made within six weeks of submission.
How to Apply
Applications must be submitted through the Creative Industries Fund NL’s online application environment.
Applications may be written in either Dutch or English.
Applications are processed in the order they are received, based on the date a complete application is submitted.
Required Application Documents
Each application must include:
- A completed online application form
- A project plan outlining objectives, set-up, and timetable
- A balanced budget and finance plan aligned with the Fair Practice Code
- Relevant CVs
- Official documents and supporting materials where required
Incomplete applications are not assessed.
Draft proposals are not accepted under this programme.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Applying without a formal invitation from a foreign party.
Submitting an application for activities that are explicitly excluded, such as residencies or conference visits.
Failing to show how the foreign activity strengthens international professional practice.
Submitting incomplete documentation or an unbalanced budget.
Assuming the grant covers all costs rather than acting as a contribution.
Why This Grant Matters
The International Vouchers Grant plays a key role in supporting the international mobility of Dutch creative professionals.
It helps practitioners build global networks, share expertise, and increase the international visibility of Dutch design, architecture, and digital culture.
By encouraging meaningful international engagement, the programme strengthens both individual careers and the broader creative sector in the Netherlands.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I apply if I have never received funding from the Creative Industries Fund NL?
No. Applicants must have received at least one positive assessment from the Fund in the past five years, excluding previous International Vouchers.
Can institutions or collectives apply?
Yes. Institutions, organisations, and collectives may apply, but the voucher must be linked to one specific individual.
Are travel and accommodation costs covered?
Yes. Travel and accommodation costs directly related to the foreign activity are eligible, within the maximum grant limits.
How many vouchers can I receive in one year?
Only one International Voucher may be issued per applicant per calendar year.
Is participation in a commercial fair eligible?
No. Commercially oriented fairs are explicitly excluded from funding.
How long does the decision process take?
Decisions are typically made within six weeks after submission, following a short digital interview.
Can applications be submitted in English?
Yes. Applications may be drafted in either Dutch or English.
Conclusion
The Creative Industries Fund NL International Vouchers Grant is a targeted funding opportunity for Dutch-based professionals in design, architecture, and digital culture seeking to strengthen their international practice.
By supporting invited presentations, lectures, and workshops abroad, the programme enhances global exchange, professional growth, and international visibility, while maintaining a clear, fast, and structured application process.
For more information, visit Creative Industries Fund NL.
