Stimuleringsfonds

In the first grant period of 2025 of the Digital Culture Grant Scheme, 10 projects were selected for support. The Digital Culture team reflects on the round.

24 June 2025

For the first time since the introduction of the new way of working for the 2025-2028 policy period, this grant scheme has been carried out in two phases. In the first phase, 102 summary applications were submitted of which the predetermined maximum number of fifty applications could be be taken into consideration. The applicants who submitted these 50 proposals were given four weeks’ time in the second phase to develop their applications further. After a check on the formal criteria and completeness, 45 applications were then assessed by the advisory committee. Ten positively assessed projects are receiving grants.

general impression

We see a strong focus on the relationship between technology and human experience in the selection. Several projects explore how technology shapes our relationship to history, impermanence and identity. We see this, for example, in No Man’s Air, which uses online visual material to reconstruct a forgotten piece of European history, or in the theatre performance Roman & E.L.I.Z.A. about digital mourning.

Projects specifically aimed at encouraging emerging makers stood out. For the new edition of the Conflux Festival, young designers have been commissioned to create work relating to rituals in digital culture. In addition, Baltan Laboratories is developing a (talent) development programme in which makers work on a public programme about alchemical mythology and technology.

The critical application of fast-growing technologies such as AI, drones and robots runs as a common thread through the selection. For instance, drones are utilised as experimental, insect-like cameras and a robotic arm with a sound sensor attempts to capture spatial sounds – a reflection on the imperfection of contemporary technology.

selection

In addition, some notable projects are:

As Common as Rain – Sara Kolster
Sara Kolster creates a narrative online visualisation that reveals the underexposed impact on children of partner homicide, called As Common as Rain. The project combines data and stories on a dynamic timeline. Through personal audio clips and abstract animations, the impact of femicide on family members is revealed. The visualisation is part of a transmedia production that also includes a documentary and impact campaign. The aim is to raise awareness about femicide in the Netherlands and start the conversation about it.

Becoming Red Dust – Hung Lu Chan
Hung Lu Chan is working on Becoming Red Dust, an art project that explores Mars from the perspective of Martian dust. The project combines scientific research with guided meditation and wearable technology that responds to body signals. This creates an immersive installation where visitors can experience Mars through sound and vibration. The aim is to make people feel a deeper connection with the planet Mars.

Conflux Festival 2025: Rites of Decay – Reverb Rotterdam
For the Conflux Festival 2025: Rites of Decay, Reverb Rotterdam is inviting makers, thinkers and audiences to reflect on the contemporary role of rituals in a technology-driven society. The festival consists of a four-day exhibition. A key feature will be the presentation of the ‘work-in-commission track’, set up in collaboration with Klankvorm. These new installations and performances by emerging makers explore the boundaries of digital and analogue tools for audiovisual compositions. They offer alternative perspectives on our seemingly dystopian future. Participating artists include Robbie Doorman, Aimée Theriot, Puck Wacki, Pelle Schilling and Mehrnaz Khorrami.

numbers

The budget available for this round was € 375,000. As the total amount applied for by the positively assessed applications exceeded the available budget, prioritisation was carried out. Of the 26 positively assessed applications, 15 have fallen completely outside the budget and one is missing out on the full grant amount. Ten of the 26 positively assessed projects will receive grants, with an underspend of € 9,245. This amount will be carried forward to the next round of the Digital Culture Grant Scheme.

follow-up

The next grant period, the third and final round of 2025, will be open from 21 August at 15:00, until 28 August 2025 at 16:00. Would you like to submit an application in this round? Take a look at the subsidy page of the grant scheme to prepare effectively.

Banner image: No Man’s Air – SeriousFilm