2 members of the Supervisory Board of the Fund for Cultural Participation

2. What does the Cultural Participation Fund do?

The Fund for Cultural Participation is an Independent Administrative Body (ZBO) of the Ministry of Education, Culture, and Science. As the National Cultural Fund, we promote active cultural participation throughout the Kingdom of the Netherlands. We do this by contributing to cultural education in and outside of school, active cultural participation, accessibility to talent development, active heritage participation, and international cooperation. We believe that cultural participation has a significant social impact: it strengthens society and makes it more social, resilient, and adaptable.

To give as many people as possible access to art and culture, we operate according to the principles of “Culture close to home for everyone” and “Providing equal opportunities.” We award grants to cultural initiatives across all cultural disciplines throughout the Kingdom of the Netherlands, including the Caribbean part of the Kingdom.

There are three grant programs: Cultural Education, Co-creation, and Amateur Arts. The programs include multi-year funding schemes (to build a strong foundation), project grants (focused on growth and development), and open calls (flexible, innovative, and up-to-date). The heritage sector and international collaborations are part of these programs. This is laid out in the 2025–2028 policy plan, titled“Culture Matters.”

The Fund endorses and adheres to the relevant codes and regulations, the most important of which are: the Diversity & Inclusion Code, the Fair Practice Code, and the Governance Code for Culture.

Organization

With a team of about fifty dedicated employees, the Fund works to implement its programs. The organization is divided into three clusters: Development, Implementation, and Operations. The cluster managers, together with the Executive Director, form the management team.

3. What does the Supervisory Board do?  

As the Supervisory Board, we oversee the Board of Directors’ strategy and policies, as well as the general affairs of the Fund. We provide the Board of Directors with advice (both upon request and on our own initiative), and we monitor and make adjustments when necessary.

The Fund’s funding comes from the Ministry of Education, Culture and Science. This means that our primary role is to oversee how the Fund allocates those public funds. Is this done fairly, effectively, and as agreed? In doing so, we also take into account the Ministry’s role as the commissioning authority. We take a broad view: What is good for the Fund? What is good for the people and organizations involved? What broader societal interests are at stake? What responsibilities does the Fund have in this regard? And what risks are involved?

As the Supervisory Board, we make decisions on key documents such as the strategy, the annual plan, the budget, and the annual report. We also approve the financial statements. In addition, we serve in a formal capacity as the employer: we appoint, supervise, and evaluate the board of directors. When issues arise, we take responsibility and ensure that the appropriate steps are taken, with care, oversight, and integrity.

Our Supervisory Board currently consists of six members, two of whom will be stepping down shortly. Our Board aims to operate as a team with clear and consistent roles, based on mutual trust and respect, and with an open attitude toward one another. Decisions are made after carefully and collectively weighing all relevant aspects. Discussions take place within the Board, and the decision reached is supported by all members. We value regularly reflecting on our own actions.

Role within the organization

As the Supervisory Board, we serve as advisors and strategic partners to the Executive Director. This includes addressing issues such as the Fund’s strategic positioning, quality assurance within the organization, and its resilience. In addition, we encourage the Executive Director and the Fund’s staff to effectively communicate the Fund’s objectives and interests within the external environment.

Transition to the professional world

There is a wide variety of grant applicants, ranging from small startups to large, established organizations. The Fund must provide a set of tools that suits this broad field and meets its needs. To maintain the sector’s trust in the Fund, it is important that stakeholders feel recognized and represented. It is therefore beneficial if the Board possesses knowledge of the diverse business models within the sector and the field. Our Council could use reinforcement on the topic of intangible cultural heritage. This topic is closely linked to both diversity and inclusion as well as the identity of regions and local areas. The topics of talent development and cultural education are also timely.

Role in society

It is important for the Fund to demonstrate the impact of our work to society. Part of this involves demonstrating how art can contribute to solving social issues. Knowledge and representation on our Board from social sectors, such as healthcare, can serve as a catalyst in this regard. Within our Board, there is still room to strengthen knowledge and expertise in the areas of digitization (communities, information sharing) and information security.

Role within the ministry

The Fund for Cultural Participation is a public-sector organization and operates as a contractor within the tripartite relationship with the Ministry of Education, Culture, and Science. As the Supervisory Board, we are mindful of this administrative and political context. The members of the Board have the ability to navigate this context with administrative and political sensitivity. As a Board, we aim to reflect Dutch society, including the overseas territories of the Kingdom, and to represent a wide diversity of life stories. An additional goal is to strengthen the Fund’s political and administrative network.

4. What is the composition of the Supervisory Board?

The Supervisory Board consists of a minimum of five and a maximum of nine members. The team is broadly composed and has a balanced structure, with an emphasis on diversity. Members are expected to maintain an independent stance and to perform their duties with a critical eye and integrity. Each member must be capable of assessing the broad outlines of the overall policy. Members avoid (the appearance of) conflicts of interest and do not hold any incompatible (secondary) positions. Each member has sufficient time to fulfill the role.

The members of our Board are quick on their feet and express themselves in a sharp, clear, and to-the-point manner. They operate with a clear understanding of their roles, consistently adhering to them. As team players, they are committed to effective collaboration and possess the ability to influence and motivate others. All members demonstrate a strong capacity for self-reflection regarding their own actions.

All members possess the following knowledge and experience:

• Experience as a director or supervisor ;
• A demonstrable affinity with art and culture that is recognized within the professional field;
• Knowledge of the political and administrative system of the Kingdom of the Netherlands and how it functions;
• Being part of a network relevant to the Fund.

Areas of Focus

A number of Board members possess the specific knowledge and expertise necessary for the Board to carry out its duties. At least one member must possess such knowledge and expertise in each of the following areas:

• political and bureaucratic maneuvering and decision-making processes;
• financial administration/accounting;
• legal matters;
• cultural policy in the broad sense (or: cultural education and/or amateur arts);
• sector in which the Fund operates.

The goal is to ensure overlap, so that there are always several members who are experts in multiple areas.

5. What types of candidates are we currently looking for?

The Fund for Cultural Participation welcomes two new members. We are looking for people who are well-established within the broader cultural sector and who have an affinity for or experience with young creators and/or social impact and the social sector. We are also interested in people who bring practical experience to the table—doers who are actively engaged in the field themselves. 

1. Member with a legal background

Due to the departure of the current member with a legal background, we are seeking a new member with expertise in administrative law. We would appreciate it if you have experience with the legal aspects of grant-making and an understanding of the various business models in the sector (see also “Role in relation to the field”). Expertise in establishing forms of collaboration is relevant. 

2. Member with an academic background

We are looking for a member who has pursued an academic career, for example as an associate professor or professor, in a field at the intersection of art, culture, participation, and society. You will bring relevant trends, developments, and insights to the table, thereby helping to ensure that the Supervisory Board remains focused and relevant. In this role, you will also be expected to help highlight the Fund’s impact on society and how art can contribute to solving social issues (see “Role in Society” below).

6. What about the appointment, compensation, and time commitment?

The Minister of Education, Culture, and Science appoints the chair of the Supervisory Board. The (interim) chair of the Supervisory Board is asked to recruit other members. The Minister of Education, Culture, and Science then appoints the members. Upon the recommendation of the chairperson, the Supervisory Board appoints a vice-chairperson from among its members, who replaces the chairperson in his or her absence. The members of the Supervisory Board are appointed for a term of four years and may be eligible for reappointment once.

Membership on the Supervisory Board of the Fund for Cultural Participation is an unpaid position. As a member, you will receive an expense allowance of €4,642 per year. In addition, you will be reimbursed for travel expenses. The time commitment is approximately two half-days per month.

7. How do we start a conversation?

The Cultural Participation Fund is being assisted in this process by Gert-Jan Jongkind, Esq., director of Bestman · Bestuur & Management. For more information about the job openings, please contact Gert-Jan Jongkind via WhatsApp at 06-50244791 or by email at jongkind@bestman.nl

Due to privacy regulations (GDPR), you may only apply through the website www.bestman.nl. By clicking“Apply”in the job posting, you will be directed to the webpage where you can upload your cover letter and resume. A reference check may be part of the application process.

The deadline for responses is Friday, August 15.

The dates for the interviews with the selection committee will be announced as soon as possible.