News & Updates News,Tools of Change Linking networks together

Linking networks together

By Bodil Malmström

Connecting cultural and creative industry networks to European funding opportunities through collaboration.

Photo: iStockPhoto

Connecting cultural and creative industry networks to European funding opportunities through collaboration.

Photo: iStockPhoto

Presenting ekip to Dutch cultural and creative networks

In December, Jeroen van der Aa from TU Delft, an ekip partner, was invited by Dutch Culture to present ekip during their EU Funding Marathon webinar.

Dutch Culture is the national network and knowledge organisation for international cultural cooperation, supporting the Dutch cultural and creative sector and public authorities.

“The objective of the presentation was to create awareness in the Dutch cultural and creative sector about ekip what ekip can do for the sector and how they can connect with it,” says Jeroen van der Aa.

The creation of the ekip proposal was also used as a case study, illustrating key dynamics to consider when developing a Horizon Europe project.

Barriers for CCIs in accessing European funding

During a discussion with the Dutch Enterprise Agency (National Contact Point for Horizon Europe), the Creative Europe Desk, and Waag Society, a shared challenge became clear: National Contact Points struggle to reach Cultural and Creative Industries.

As most organisations in the CCIs are SMEs, participation in European funding programmes is often perceived as too complex or inaccessible.

“They do not always have access to partners active in European programmes, such as universities,” explains Jeroen van der Aa.

Cascade funding as an opportunity for CCIs

One promising instrument discussed was Cascade Funding, which could be particularly suitable for CCIs.

However, a key gap remains: there is currently no centralised overview of cascade funding opportunities tailored to CCIs.

“This is something ekip could bring to the attention of the European Commission,” says Jeroen van der Aa.

By mapping and connecting these opportunities, ekip could significantly lower entry barriers for cultural and creative organisations.

Strengthening connections between national and European networks

A follow-up meeting with the Dutch Enterprise Agency and the Creative Europe Desk is planned to explore how these organisations can contribute to ekip and link their national CCI networks more effectively at European level.

This approach reflects ekip’s broader ambition: acting as a connector between networks, institutions, and funding ecosystems rather than building parallel structures.

Watch the EU Funding Marathon webinar

The recording of the EU Funding Marathon webinar is available online: https://dutchculture.nl/en/node/1667878

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