Creative Industries The Netherlands

The Netherlands ranks among the world’s leading creative economies, known for design, fashion, and cultural innovation. Dutch creative industries grow faster than the wider economy, driven by talent, sustainability, and a strong international outlook.

For the wider economic and development context of the Netherlands, see Netherlands Global Development at RYB.

Key Sectors

Design and architecture. Dutch design is known worldwide for minimalism and function. Eindhoven hosts Dutch Design Week, while Rotterdam leads in contemporary architecture through firms like OMA and MVRDV.

Fashion. The Dutch fashion industry blends sustainability with avant-garde creativity, from Viktor & Rolf to Iris van Herpen. Amsterdam hosts Amsterdam Fashion Week each September.

Media and gaming. Guerrilla Games, creator of Horizon Zero Dawn, anchors a strong Dutch gaming sector. The country also excels in animation and virtual reality.

Advertising and branding. Amsterdam serves as a hub for international advertising agencies, known for bold, globally recognized campaigns.

Cultural heritage and the arts. The Rijksmuseum and Van Gogh Museum draw millions of visitors annually. Rotterdam’s International Film Festival and IDFA highlight the country’s ongoing investment in the arts.

Economic Impact

Dutch creative industries employ over 300,000 people and contribute approximately €7 billion annually. The sector remains a major export driver, with Dutch design and media products in strong global demand.

Government Support

The Dutch government actively backs creative industries through dedicated funding. The Creative Industries Fund NL grants support for international projects, while the Top Sector Creative Industries initiative connects businesses, researchers, and policymakers.

International Cultural Policy

Culture and the arts enrich individuals and bind society together. Culture shows who we are, where we come from and what we stand for. Cultural partnerships and exchanges with foreign countries provide inspiration, increase our store of knowledge and give access to high-quality culture and arts.
Internationalisation can also promote the development of talent, and exhibitions, performances and translations can help Dutch artists and art institutions reach a wider audience.

Culture is ‘soft power’. Through culture, a country strengthens its ability to make friends and wield influence. In a world of increasing international contacts and conflicts, culture can contribute to positive images of the Netherlands and foster debate.

Economically speaking, too, culture is significant. In the Netherlands, the cultural and creative sectors do much to boost employment. Culture is a major element of state visits and trade missions. By crossing borders, artists and art institutions are able to reach new and different audiences, as well as new markets. Making their mark abroad for the first time often helps artists’ careers take off.

In addition, international cultural policy is beneficial for the Netherlands’ image abroad. We seek to present ourselves as an open and creative country, a country that is appealing as a partner. This image is also important for other sectors – like tourism – and strengthens our international relations.

In short, government involvement in international cultural policy is necessary: not just because of the intrinsic value of culture, but also because of its international character, its role in the development of talent and its importance for the Netherlands’ image as a creative, open country.
> Policy Framework International Cultural Policy 2025-2028
> International Cultural Policy 2021-2024

Explore the Netherlands’ Creative Industries

• Trade Associations — organizations supporting Dutch creative businesses broadly
• Fashion Associations — bodies representing Dutch fashion and textiles specifically
• Trade Fair Grounds — venues hosting Dutch trade shows and exhibitions
• Amsterdam Fashion Week — the Netherlands’ leading fashion event