Deadline: 15-Jun-2026
The Creative Industry Activities Programme Grant Scheme supports cultural institutions that contribute to the quality, development, and professionalisation of the contemporary creative industry through structured two-year activities programmes. Eligible cultural institutions can apply for grants ranging from €50,000 to €125,000 per year, with funding covering up to 80% of direct programme implementation costs.
About the Grant Scheme
The Creative Industry Activities Programme Grant Scheme is a funding programme designed to strengthen the contemporary creative industry by supporting activity-based programmes delivered by cultural institutions.
Unlike institutional funding schemes that support general organisational operations, this programme specifically funds activities, projects, and initiatives that contribute to sector development, professional growth, innovation, collaboration, and capacity building within the creative industry.
The scheme forms part of the broader 2025–2028 cultural funding framework and operates alongside the Four-Year Institutional Grant Scheme.
Program Objectives
The scheme aims to:
- Strengthen the quality of the contemporary creative industry.
- Support professionalisation within the cultural and creative sectors.
- Encourage sector development and innovation.
- Build professional capacity among creative practitioners and organisations.
- Promote sustainable growth within the creative ecosystem.
- Support structured activities programmes with measurable outcomes.
- Enhance collaboration, knowledge exchange, and industry development.
Focus Areas
Supported activities may contribute to:
- Professional development.
- Creative industry innovation.
- Sector capacity building.
- Knowledge sharing and networking.
- Talent development.
- Industry collaboration.
- Contemporary cultural production.
- Creative entrepreneurship.
- Professionalisation of creative practices.
- Sustainable development of the cultural sector.
Funding Information
Grant Amount
Applicants may request:
- Minimum grant: €50,000 per calendar year.
- Maximum grant: €125,000 per calendar year.
Funding Coverage
- Funding may cover up to 80% of direct programme implementation costs.
- Applicants must provide at least 20% co-financing or other eligible funding sources.
Available Budget
- Total available budget for the 2026 funding cycle: €1,850,000.
Funding Period
The scheme is implemented through two funding rounds:
- Round 1: 2025–2026.
- Round 2: 2027–2028.
Successful applicants receive support for activities programmes delivered during the approved funding period.
Who Is Eligible?
Eligible applicants must:
- Be cultural institutions.
- Operate within the cultural and creative sector.
- Have a core mission focused on the development and professionalisation of the contemporary creative industry.
- Deliver structured activities programmes that contribute to sector advancement.
- Meet all application and programme requirements.
Applicants must demonstrate their capacity to successfully implement a two-year activities programme.
Eligible Activities
Examples of eligible activities may include:
- Professional development programmes.
- Industry networking initiatives.
- Creative sector workshops and training.
- Knowledge-sharing events.
- Innovation and experimentation programmes.
- Capacity-building activities.
- Creative industry conferences and forums.
- Talent development initiatives.
- Sector research and professional exchange activities.
Projects should clearly contribute to the development and professionalisation of the contemporary creative industry.
Ineligible Applicants
The following entities are not eligible:
- Educational institutions.
- Foundations directly linked to educational institutions.
- Organisations whose primary activities fall outside the cultural sector.
- Applicants that do not meet programme eligibility requirements.
Ineligible Activities and Costs
The scheme does not fund:
- Activities that have already taken place.
- Activities that begin before the approved grant period.
- Educational programmes.
- Education-related activities.
- Study trips.
- Labour costs for government, provincial, or municipal employees.
- Property acquisition.
- Building purchases.
- Regular construction costs.
- Restoration costs.
- Catering-related operational expenses.
- Incomplete applications.
- Applications submitted after the deadline.
How the Programme Works
- Confirm organisational eligibility.
- Develop a two-year activities programme aligned with programme objectives.
- Prepare a detailed implementation plan and budget.
- Demonstrate how activities contribute to creative industry development and professionalisation.
- Secure the required co-financing for costs not covered by the grant.
- Submit a complete application before the deadline.
- Applications undergo assessment based on programme criteria.
- Successful institutions receive grant funding.
- Activities are implemented during the approved funding period.
- Funded organisations report on programme outcomes and expenditure as required.
Selection Criteria
Applications are typically assessed based on:
- Contribution to creative industry development.
- Contribution to professionalisation of the sector.
- Quality of the proposed activities programme.
- Feasibility of implementation.
- Financial sustainability.
- Organisational capacity and experience.
- Expected sector-wide impact.
- Relevance to programme objectives.
Why This Grant Matters
The contemporary creative industry plays a vital role in cultural innovation, economic development, talent growth, and social impact.
This grant programme helps:
- Strengthen cultural infrastructure.
- Improve professional standards within the creative sector.
- Support long-term industry development.
- Encourage innovation and collaboration.
- Expand opportunities for creative professionals.
- Build sustainable cultural ecosystems.
- Enhance knowledge sharing and professional networks.
Tips for a Strong Application
- Clearly demonstrate how activities support sector development.
- Present measurable outcomes and impact indicators.
- Develop a realistic two-year implementation plan.
- Provide a detailed and transparent budget.
- Show evidence of organisational capacity.
- Explain the long-term benefits for the creative industry.
- Demonstrate strong partnerships and stakeholder engagement.
- Highlight innovation and professional development opportunities.
Common Application Mistakes
- Confusing activities funding with institutional funding.
- Proposing activities outside the programme scope.
- Submitting incomplete applications.
- Providing weak implementation plans.
- Failing to demonstrate sector impact.
- Overlooking co-financing requirements.
- Including ineligible costs within the budget.
- Proposing activities that start before the grant period.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the Creative Industry Activities Programme Grant Scheme?
It is a funding programme that supports cultural institutions delivering activities-based programmes that strengthen the quality, development, and professionalisation of the contemporary creative industry.
How much funding can organisations apply for?
Eligible institutions may request between €50,000 and €125,000 per calendar year.
What percentage of project costs can be funded?
The grant can cover up to 80% of direct implementation costs. Applicants must secure the remaining funding from other sources.
Who can apply?
Cultural institutions whose core mission supports the development and professionalisation of the contemporary creative industry are eligible to apply.
Are educational institutions eligible?
No. Educational institutions and foundations linked to educational institutions are not eligible under this scheme.
What types of activities are not funded?
Educational programmes, study trips, property acquisition, construction and restoration costs, certain public-sector labour costs, and catering-related operational expenses are not eligible.
What is the total budget available for 2026?
The total available budget for the 2026 funding cycle is €1,850,000.
Conclusion
The Creative Industry Activities Programme Grant Scheme provides significant support for cultural institutions working to strengthen the contemporary creative industry through structured activities programmes. By funding professional development, innovation, networking, and sector-building initiatives, the scheme contributes to a stronger, more sustainable, and highly professional creative ecosystem.
For more information, visit Creative Industries Fund NL.