WILLEMSTAD – The Dutch Cultural Participation Fund has launched a new round of grants to support cultural education projects in primary and secondary schools across Curaçao, Aruba, and St. Maarten. The program seeks to strengthen collaborations between schools and local cultural institutions or independent professionals.
Eligible applicants include cultural organizations and professionals with at least two years of experience in cultural education. Proposals must involve partnerships with one or more schools located on the same island as the applicant.
Funding Opportunities
- Project Grants: Ranging from €15,000 to €50,000, these are intended to support the development and implementation of cultural education projects tailored to student needs during school hours.
- Exploration Grants: Ranging from €5,000 to €15,000, these are designed for preparatory activities, including partnership discussions, drafting project plans, sharing expertise, securing funding, and piloting initiatives.
Information Sessions
To assist applicants, the Fund will host a series of online information sessions between September 9 and November 18. Advisors will explain the grant criteria, conditions, and application process while answering questions from participants.
Additional Grant Programs
This initiative is part of a broader commitment to cultural education in the Dutch Caribbean. Alongside this program, two additional long-term schemes are available:
- Cultural Education in VMBO, VSO, PRO (2025–2028)
- Cultural Education in MBO (2025–2028)
These schemes aim to expand opportunities for schools and cultural professionals to collaborate in creating stronger cultural learning experiences for students.
The grants reflect ongoing efforts to invest in cultural identity, creativity, and education across the islands, ensuring that young learners have greater access to meaningful cultural engagement.
