FAQ Open Call Slavery Memorial Year

From when can I start submitting my application for the Open Call Slavery Memorial Year?
The application form will be available online from early December.

What is the deadline date?
The first deadline is on 16 January at 5 PM CET / 12 AM AST and the second deadline is in April 2023 (exact date to follow).

Who can apply for the Open Call Slavery Memorial Year?
The Open Call is aimed at a broad group of applicants from the Kingdom of the Netherlands: (Netherlands, Aruba, Bonaire, Curaçao, Saba, Sint Eustatius, Sint Maarten): individuals with a professional practice in the disciplines of the visual arts, heritage, the creative industry, literature, the performing arts, or crossovers between these disciplines. Archives, libraries and organisations in the fields of visual arts, heritage, literature, creative industries, performing arts or crossovers between the disciplines with a presenting nature located in the Caribbean part of the Kingdom and in the Netherlands may also apply.

For which purposes can I apply for the Open Call Slavery Memorial Year?
The contribution can be used for projects and activities in the Caribbean part of the Kingdom and in the Netherlands that permanently increase the level of knowledge and awareness of the history of slavery and its repercussions in the present. Applications can be made for publicly accessible projects in the commemorative year that runs from 1 July 2023 to 1 July 2024. It is crucial that the project highlights a perspective of involved communities and that these communities have a leadership position in the development of the project.

These apply to the disciplines of visual arts, heritage, creative industries, literature, performing arts, or crossovers between these disciplines. A contribution can be used for:

• public presentations;
• production of work by creators;
• projects that shine a light on the relationship between historic places and regions and the history of slavery, such as walking or bicycle routes;
• symposia;
• podcasts;
• (children’s) literature;
• theatre and dance productions;
• digital products, such as games or apps;
• collaborative projects aimed at increasing knowledge and culminating in a presentation;
• relevant research projects culminating in a public presentation.

What is the exact contribution amount available for the Open Call Slavery Memorial Year?
Projects can be applied for between €5,000 and €75,000. For applications up to € 10,000, it is possible to provide an oral explanation of the plan. The contribution provided by the Mondriaan Fund is a maximum of 95% of the variable project costs.

How did the Open Call originate?
The Open Call originated in cooperation with members of the sounding board from the various communities involved. The sounding board group has provided input and feedback to arrive at the best possible conditions and criteria for the Open Call and transfer knowledge about the practices of potential applicants. The sounding board group also identifies (potential) barriers among applicants.

Who are the members of the sounding board group?

• Urwin Vyent (NiNsee)
• Mitchell Esajas (The Black Archives)
• Bikram Lalbahadoersing (initiatiefgroep 150 Jaar Hindostaanse Immigratie)
• Hariette Mingoen (Stichting Comité Herdenking Javaanse Immigratie)
• Raul Balai (kunstenaar, tevens voorzitter adviescommissies bij het Mondriaan Fonds)
• Tibisay Sankatsing Nava (onderzoeker and community coordinator KITLV)
• Siela Ardjosemito-Jethoe (Avans, RvT Mauritshuis)
• Peggy Brandon (Mocca, kwartiermaker Nationaal Slavernijmuseum)
• Aspha Bijnaar (Musea Bekennen Kleur)
• Roberto Refos (community organizer Noord-Nederland)

What is the difference between the Open Call from the Mondriaan Fund and the Fund for Cultural Participation (Fonds voor Cultuurparticipatie, FCP)?
The Mondriaan Fund focuses on projects that increase knowledge and awareness through the development of various types of public presentations. For example, these may include podcasts, exhibitions, symposia or publications. Applications to the Mondriaan Fund can be made by organisations with a presenting function or creators with a professional practice.
Within the subsidy scheme of the Cultural Participation Fund, the focus is on participatory activities where participants are actively involved. Do you believe your project would be better suited to a different scheme and do you have questions about this? Please do not hesitate to contact one of our project members.

Who will evaluate my application?
A committee consisting of independent advisers will evaluate applications for this Open Call. This committee is drawn from a pool of experts with diverse backgrounds and specialisms. A committee consisting of independent advisers will assess the applications for the Open Call For the Dutch Slavery Past Commemoration Year. These advisers are drawn as much as possible from our existing adviser pool of experts with diverse backgrounds and specialisms. In case a discipline or specialism is not represented in our permanent pool of advisers, the Mondriaan Fund may also deploy ad hoc advisers. Please visit this link for more information about the pool of advisers from which the Mondriaan Fund composes its committees.

Because this Open Call allows creators and organisations not only from the visual arts and heritage but also from the disciplines of performing arts, literature, creative industry, and crossovers between these disciplines to apply, we are also in continuous contact with the other three state cultural funds about independent advisers with expertise within their disciplines and crossover. Unfortunately, we cannot determine and publish the final committee until we know which applicants have applied and from in disciplines they are active. We need to be sure that all specialisms are represented within the committee and that advisers have no direct interest in the applications being considered.

Can applicants from the Caribbean part of the Kingdom also apply for the regular Mondriaan Fund schemes?
Yes, artists, curators and institutions alike may apply to most Mondriaan Fund schemes. Please visit our Application Help page to find the most suitable scheme.

How do I submit an application to the Mondriaan Fund?
Applications to the Mondriaan Fund can be made via the online application system. For the Open Call For the Dutch Slavery Past Commemoration Year you will require an account. If you have not applied before, you will need to create an account first. Please create an account here.

Can employees of the Mondriaan Fund help write my application?
Unfortunately, the Mondriaan Fund cannot help write or edit applications. However, our employees can look over a draft plan and/or decide whether the plan suits the application. Contact persons for this Open Call are listed at the bottom of this page.

Can I make an application in Papiamentu?
The Mondriaan Fund aims to be as accessible as possible and allows for applications in either Dutch or English. Unfortunately, it is not (yet) possible to submit applications in Papiamentu. The fund office is currently unable to process applications in Papiamentu. However, we offer a translation contribution for applicants who write in another language.

How do I create an account to submit my application?
Mondriaan Fund contributions must be applied for via the digital application system, for which you require an account. Please note: you can only complete the application form after receiving your login information. Please apply for your account well before the deadline. We aim to process your applications within one working day. However, please remember that the period before the deadline is extremely busy, so we cannot always guarantee this. No accounts are issued at weekends, during public holidays and on days when the Mondrian Fund is closed.

I have not submitted an application to the Mondriaan Fund before, does the application have to be in writing or can it be done orally?
Both individuals and organisations (up to €10,000) have the option of submitting the application in writing and subsequently explaining the plan orally to the committee, a so-called hybrid application. Applicants who opt for a hybrid application will receive an invitation to an online interview (up to 20 minutes) with the advisory committee, during which you can provide an oral explanation of the plan.

Where do I indicate that I wish to give an oral explanation of my plan?
When completing the application form, you may indicate whether you opt for a fully written application or the option of orally explaining the plan.

What is the difference between a fully written and hybrid application?
In case of a written application:
– The written application will be submitted to the advisory committee, which will evaluate it according to the set criteria.

In case of a hybrid application (partly written, partly oral):

• If the applicant has indicated in the application form that they would like to present the plan orally to the advisory committee, an invitation to the online interview will be sent after acknowledgment of receipt of the complete application.
• The applicant will be invited to present and clarify their plan. This is possible both in English and Dutch. The online interview will last a maximum of 20 minutes. The advisory committee may ask substantive questions about the plan.
• Afterwards, the applicant will receive a short report. The applicant will be given the opportunity to respond to the report within a week of receipt. The report will then be included in the application. If an applicant does not respond in time, the report will also be included with the application after a week.
• The committee evaluates the application according to the set criteria.

In which language can I provide an oral explanation?
During application, you may choose to submit your application with an oral explanation. An oral application can only be made in Dutch or English.

I’ve indicated that I wish to give an oral explanation of my plan. How should I prepare?
In case of a hybrid application, you will explain your plan orally to the advisory committee via an online meeting. You will receive an invitation for this with a link for a digital meeting. The interview will last a maximum of 20 minutes and will be in Dutch or English. The committee evaluates all applications according to the set criteria. For more information, please see the website.

How do you prepare a budget/coverage plan?

Amounts must be stated exclusive of VAT. Contributions from the Mondriaan Fund are awarded exclusive of VAT, unless the applicant is not subject to VAT. Please attach the proof from the tax authorities showing that you are not subject to VAT.

The Mondriaan Fund will ask for a clear and itemised overview of the variable project costs:

• The total costs must equal the total financial coverage, including the contribution from the Mondriaan Fund. The budget must therefore be balanced.

The application form accompanying the Open Call For the Dutch Slavery Past Commemoration Year can only be completed and submitted in Dutch or English. Writing in a different language? Then the Mondriaan Fund offers a translation contribution for this Open Call. You can apply for a contribution for translating your application into English or Dutch of up to €3,000 incl. VAT (regardless of whether it concerns an institution or individual). Before submitting your application, you can have your text translated by a translation agency of your choice. You can then send the invoice/declaration form for the translation in euros (including any attachments) to snpghera@zbaqevnnasbaqf.ay, quoting the application number, applicant’s name and project title. The contribution amount will subsequently be transferred on condition that the application is complete (including all attachments and, if applicable, documentation).

The translation contribution is an optional contribution for the Open Call For the Dutch Slavery Past Commemoration Year and can be applied for until our translation budget has been fully exhausted. The total budget for translations is €60,000.

Who is eligible for a translation contribution?
If you are submitting an application to the Open Call For the Dutch Slavery Past Commemoration Year and do not write in Dutch or English, you are eligible for a translation contribution.

Is the translation contribution always reimbursed?
The translation contribution will be reimbursed provided that your application is submitted in full. The contribution can be applied for until our translation budget has been fully exhausted. Contributions are awarded in order of completeness check. As soon as your application has been checked for completeness by the Mondriaan Fund, you will be notified accordingly. Even if the committee advises negatively on the application, the translation contribution will be reimbursed.

Can the application form be completed in languages other than Dutch or English?
The application form can only be completed and submitted in Dutch or English. In order for you to submit the application, you may have the application translated in advance.

How can I read the application form if I speak a language other than Dutch or English?
The application form has been translated into Papiamento and Papiamentu. It is available in the form of PDF files. These PDF files are available for download here.

To which bank account number will the translation contribution be transferred?
The translation contribution will be transferred to the bank account number specified on the invoice/declaration form.

In which currency will the translation contribution be transferred?
The amount will be transferred in euros.

How does the Mondriaan Fund deal with exchange rates?
The euro amount shown on the invoice/declaration form will be used for any calculations.

Where can I have my text translated?
Your text may be translated by a sworn translator or official translation agency of your choice.

When will I hear whether the requested translation contribution will be reimbursed?
The contribution can be applied for until our translation budget has been fully exhausted. Contributions are awarded in order of completeness check. As soon as your application has been checked for completeness by the Mondriaan Fund, you will be notified accordingly.

If I submit multiple applications for the Open Call, can I also apply for multiple translation contributions?
Yes, this is possible. The contribution can be applied for until our translation budget has been fully exhausted. Contributions are awarded in order of completeness check. As soon as your application has been checked for completeness by the Mondriaan Fund, you will be notified accordingly. Even if the committee advises negatively on the application, the translation contribution will be reimbursed.

Is the translation contribution also available for other arrangements?
No, the translation contribution is currently only available for the Open Call For the Dutch Slavery Past Commemoration Year.

For individuals that are applying, it is possible to explain your plan orally to the committee. In which language can I provide an oral explanation?
During application, you may choose to submit your application with an oral explanation. An oral application can only be made in Dutch or English.

In what language does the Mondriaan Fund communicate following either a successful or negative application?
The Mondriaan Fund exclusively communicates in Dutch or English.

What exactly is the procedure when presenting the plan orally?
The application must first be submitted in writing via the application system, after which it can be presented orally to the commission. You must fill out the application form and attach the requested attachments. You must provide a short, written explanation of the project plan. You will then receive an invitation to an online interview with the advisory committee of up to 20 minutes, during which you can provide an oral explanation of the plan.

What happens after I’ve submitted the application?
After you’ve submitted your application (prior to the deadline), our administration department will check whether it meets the conditions as described in the open call. If you do not meet the conditions, you will be informed accordingly by letter. Should any documents be missing, we will contact you directly. If you are eligible for subsidy, you will receive an email confirming that your application is being processed. All admissible applications will be submitted to the advisory committee of this open call and will be assessed against the established criteria. (In case you have opted for an oral application, you will be invited for an interview with the advisory committee.)

Can the project involve a creator or collaboration partner who is not based/embedded in the Kingdom of the Netherlands?
The contribution can be used for projects and activities in the Kingdom of the Netherlands that permanently increase the level of knowledge and awareness of the history of slavery and its repercussions in the present. As part of a project, you may indeed collaborate with a foreign creator and/or organisation. However, the principal applicant must be professionally embedded in the relevant discipline within the Kingdom of the Netherlands.

Applications may be submitted for different disciplines. Is the budget split by disciplines?
The budget is not split by disciplines. All admissible applications will be assessed by the committee within the round in which they were submitted.

Is there a chance that if I apply before the second deadline, there will be less money available because it may already have been spent on applications from the first deadline?
All applications received, if admissible and complete, will be reviewed by the advisory committee. We currently do not know how many individuals and organisations will submit an application and when. To make a realistic estimate per round, we would like to know if and when you are going to apply. If you know when you are going to apply, please let us know in advance.

Applications can be made for projects in the Kingdom of the Netherlands (the Netherlands, Aruba, Bonaire, Curaçao, Saba, Sint Maarten and Sint Eustatius). Is there a separate budget per island/country?
The budget is not split by geographical location. All admissible applications will be assessed by the committee within the round in which they were submitted.

Is there a minimum number of required works for an exhibition? Is there a guideline for this?
No, there is no guideline. Projects are substantively assessed by the committee on the basis of the criteria as described here. However, one additional guideline applies: if an artist is directly involved in the plan, a honorarium for the artist is required and must be included in the budget. The honorarium must be paid by the applicant according to the artist’s honorarium guideline.

What period should the project be executed?
Applications can be made for publicly accessible projects in the memorial year that runs from 1 July 2023 to 1 July 2024. However, preparations for the project may start before 1 July, 2023. Please allow 3 months processing time after the application round deadline. A contribution cannot be awarded retroactively.

Is it possible to submit applications to both funds?
No, you cannot simultaneously apply to both funds, unless you split the project into two (sub)projects and there is no overlap in the budget. Not sure which fund to apply to? Please do not hesitate to contact us.

Can I submit multiple applications for this open call?
Yes that’s possible, as long as they concern different project plans and there is no overlap in the budget. A contribution cannot be granted to projects of applicants who are already entitled to subsidy from the fund or another provision financed from public funds that provides the same funding.

As an individual, do you have to collaborate with a cultural organisation?
This is an option, but definitely not a requirement.

Is it possible to submit an application for writing or publishing a book?
Yes, you may submit applications for writing or publishing a book. When doing so, please remember to carefully consider the public plan and include all requested documents and attachments. Similar to a podcast, a book is considered a form of presentation.

Does the Mondrian Fund contribute to educational projects?
The Mondriaan Fund cannot contribute to exclusionary educational projects. However, education plans are sometimes part of a presentation plan within a wider project, in which case applications may be submitted for the entire project. For exclusionary educational projects, we advise you to contact the Fund for Cultural Participation and ask them about the possibilities.

Are initiatives with regard to (current) contract labourers also negotiable?
Various communities of descendants of enslaved people, indigenous peoples and contract labourers, all form an inextricable part of the Dutch slavery past. These include the indigenous peoples of the former Dutch colonies of Suriname and the six Caribbean islands, Chinese, Javanese and Hindustani contract labourers, along with, for example, Moluccan, Ghanaian and South African communities. At the heart of the activities during the Memorial Year are the narratives of these originally non-European communities that are associated with the slavery past.

Is it allowed to pay yourself, i.e. budget your own working hours and hourly rate?
Applicants cannot apply for a honorarium for themselves, but they can apply for a contribution with regard to time investment. The Mondriaan Fund has set a standard amount for this at €1,980 per month in the Netherlands and abroad (full-time). Please explain in your application how much time you will dedicate to your work. The time investment can only be requested for that particular period. In many cases, the plan will not be worked on full-time during the application period. You should therefore always indicate in the application how many days/dayparts per week will be spent on the project. Contribution for time investment abroad includes all accommodation costs associated with the stay. This means that costs such as hotel expenses, meals or local travel costs, cannot be budgeted separately.

Can applications be submitted for creating a monument?
The Mondriaan Fund cannot provide contributions for commemorating and celebrating the abolition of slavery. This includes creating a monument. So unfortunately it is not possible to submit an application for this. The Mondriaan Fund focuses on projects that increase knowledge and awareness through the development of various types of public presentations. For example, these may include podcasts, exhibitions, symposia or publications.

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