International cultural policy 2017 - 2020

The evaluation shows that 79 million euros was spent on international cultural policy during the period under review, which focused on three objectives:

1. A strong cultural sector growing in quality through international exchange and sustainable cooperation and which is also seen and appreciated abroad. (43 million)
2. More room for culture to contribute to a safe, just and future-proof world (26 million).
3. Culture is used effectively within modern diplomacy. (2 million)
In addition, more than €7 million was spent on international heritage cooperation. 

Success appeared to depend largely on the individuals who implemented the policy

International cultural policy generated 5,464 projects in the policy period under review, totaling 35.9 million euros, 45 percent of the total. Almost 90 percent of the budget was spent in the priority countries, where 4,617 projects were realized. 

For the parties involved, the success of the international cultural policy was not (only) reflected in high visitor numbers, but also in jointness and equality with local parties; exchange and learning was more important than sending, local embedding was essential. The success proved to be for depend in large part on the individuals who make the policy carried out. There was room for this within the relatively generally formulated policy framework. 

DutchCulture's interpretation of its role was perceived as variable in the past policy period, particularly because of the differences in knowledge and experience within the organization. The management of earmarked program funds by DutchCulture was felt to be undesirable and complicated DutchCulture's role. In the current policy framework, this management is no longer the responsibility of DutchCulture. 

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