Festivals and Public Presentations – 18 projects selected

With the Festivals and Public Presentations Grant Scheme, the Fund aims to contribute to greater audience reach for the fields of design, architecture and digital culture. To achieve this, the Fund supports large-scale events that inspire both professionals and a broad audience; these range from a group exhibition about AI, to an interactive public programme about the post-colonial city, a futuristic film festival or a multi-day event concerning sound art.

27 January 2025

local community building and societal impact

In November 2024, the advisory committee met to discuss 45 project proposals for 2025, of which 18 were eventually selected. It was noticeable that festivals are increasingly functioning as active platforms where communities are strengthened and societal impact is made together. We see this for example in the Rotterdam Rooftop Days, where the inhabitants of Rotterdam are involved in the development of the urban rooftop landscape, with a special focus on climate adaptation and social connection. GLUE Amsterdam also responds to this idea by bringing together 30 designers with different backgrounds and working methods. Schemerlicht Festival seeks the connection by having makers work with scientists to translate complex issues into accessible artworks. This engages a wide audience on current issues such as time and technology.

Bouwurk – Stichting Europese Culturele Hoofdstad 2018 Leeuwarden Fryslan

circular building as community project

A special example is Bouwurk, a temporary community house in the heart of Leeuwarden being realised during the Arcadia triennale. This ‘mienskipshûs’ is not only a showcase for new building culture, but also a stage for sustainable initiatives and design. The project unfolds in two phases over 100 days: first a dynamic 30-day construction period where the public can follow the building process, and then 70 days where the building comes to life with programmes relating to play, celebration, making and rituals. Bouwurk generates connections in villages and neighbourhoods, contributes to a new building culture and gives visibility to design and making power in Friesland. Architecture and community building go hand in hand, with local partners and designers building new perspectives for sustainable architecture together.

Kreativiti Bridge The Gap – Kaya Kaya

strengthening creative sector on Curaçao

The Kreativiti Bridge The Gap festival aims to strengthen the creative industry on Curaçao. Originating from the Kaya Kaya neighbourhood festival in Willemstad’s Otrobanda district, the project addresses challenges relating to gentrification and tourism. In a context where there are no professional studies in design and product design, the festival is committed to creating awareness about the value of applied art. With a focus on education and strengthening the local creative sector, the festival brings together local makers and audiences over two days through exhibitions, panel discussions, workshops and a creatives marketplace. The project shows how festivals can contribute to building sustainable creative infrastructure.

These projects illustrate a broader trend in which festivals are not just cultural events but also act as catalysts for societal change. They connect local communities, encourage craftsmanship and contribute to the development of sustainable creative ecosystems. By combining education, participation and presentation, they create new perspectives on the role of design and creativity in societal issues.

numbers

Of the 45 applications taken into consideration, 18 are receiving grants. This brings the percentage of applications receiving grants to 40%. The total budget of €1,000,000 was divided by region. Seven of the selected festivals are located in the West region, two in North, one in Middle, two in South, four in East and one in the Caribbean region.

follow-up

We are currently renewing the Festivals and Public Presentations Grant Scheme for 2025. The grant scheme is expected to be published in April and close in autumn 2025. Keep an eye on our newsletter and website for the latest updates.