Cities in the Kingdom of the Netherlands can apply from 16 November 2026
AMSTERDAM - In 2033, another city will hold the title of European Capital of Culture on behalf of the Netherlands. Following Amsterdam, Rotterdam and Leeuwarden, the next city will have the opportunity to spend a year in the international spotlight. All cities in the Kingdom of the Netherlands are eligible to apply. The call opens on 16 November 2026.
On behalf of the Ministry of Education, Culture and Science (OCW), DutchCulture, the platform for international cultural cooperation, is coordinating the selection process. "The title of European Capital of Culture 2033 offers cities a wonderful opportunity to bring their cultural ambitions to an international audience and strengthen their connections with Europe," says Jelle Burggraaff, Director of DutchCulture. "We hope to see inspiring proposals that showcase the Kingdom's cultural richness, connect people and cultures across borders and give lasting momentum to cultural development in the city and its surrounding area."
Willemstad
The title also offers an opportunity to raise the profile of artists and cultural organisations, involve residents in culture and strengthen international cooperation. The ambition extends beyond the title year: the programme should contribute to the city's long-term cultural development.
Selection procedure starts in November 2026
The official call for proposals will be published in Dutch and English on 16 November on a dedicated website. Summaries will also be available in Frisian, Papiamento and Papiamentu. Anyone interested can already sign up for the mailing list.
Interested cities first submit a bid book: a proposal setting out their cultural programme and ambitions for 2033. The deadline for this initial application is expected to be around 1 October 2027. In early 2027, DutchCulture will organise an information session for interested cities together with the European Commission and the Ministry of Education, Culture and Science.
From bid book to Capital of Culture
An independent panel of international experts will assess the applications and shortlist the cities that will proceed to the second round. These cities will develop their plans further and submit a final bid book. The panel will then recommend one city for the title, followed by its formal designation.
As the selected city prepares for the title year, the panel will continue to monitor and assess its progress. It will also advise the European Commission on whether to award the €1.5 million Melina Mercouri Prize.
A European stage for culture
The European Capitals of Culture programme is a European Union initiative that has run since 1985. More than sixty cities have held the title. In the Netherlands, Amsterdam held the title in 1987, Rotterdam in 2001, and Leeuwarden in 2018.
Alongside the Netherlands, Italy will also select a European Capital of Culture for 2033. Through a separate open competition, a city in an EU candidate country, a potential candidate country or an EFTA/EEA country may also hold the title that year.