Grant for composition or libretto commission

The Fund can award grants to commission a composition or a libretto. The goal of these grants is to promote the quality and diversity of the Dutch performing arts and to reach relevant audiences.

The Fund can grant support for composition or libretto commissions that contribute to the composition climate in the Netherlands. Therefore, foreign organisations can apply for support as well. This will be the case for foreign organisations that want to commission a Dutch composer or librettist. This is relevant when a commission can contribute to building an audience for the composer or librettist in question.

submission date

26
Jul 24
Start your application at My Fund
Updated application guidelines for the Grant for composition or libretto commission
update 21 February 2024
The application guidelines for the Grant for composition or libretto commission were updated on February 21st, 2024. When submitting a grant application, please use the updated guidelines at the bottom of this page.
Commissions from foreign organisations will be considered within their specific foreign context. A key factor for consideration will specifically be the value the commission will have for the composer or librettist in question. Why has the foreign commissioner chosen a Dutch composer or librettist? Will the commissioned piece become a staple in the organisation’s repertoire? What does this mean for future concerts? How likely is it that other organisations at home and abroad will perform the composition? Will the commission contribute to further foreign interest in the composer or librettist?
Who is eligible for a grant?
An organisation that wishes to commission a composition or libretto from a specific composer can apply for a composition or libretto commission grant.
Assessment criteria
Applications are assessed with reference to the following criteria:

  • Motivation of the choice of composer for this commission
  • Public reach
  • Significance of the result of the activities for the performing arts in the Netherlands.
How and when to apply for this grant
Applications for composition or libretto grants are processed in two rounds per year. You can submit an application for three works a year at most.

To submit your grant application, you need a password (login code). If you already have a password, you can log in via My Fund/Mijn Fonds. If you don't have a password yet, you can request one here. The creation of a password can take several days.
Budget
For the composition or libretto commission programme, the total amount available per round is 250.000 euros.
Grant information
Detailed information about the grant conditions and assessment criteria for the composition or libretto commission is provided in paragraph 3 of the composition and libretto grant on wetten.overheid.nl. The grant and guidelines are explained below.
Honorarium table
The guidelines for honorariums for composition commissions are provided on this page (in Dutch).
Draft applications
You can submit a draft application to us before applying for a grant. We can then advise you about your application.

Draft applications are assessed until three weeks before the deadline. Would you like to make use of this option? Then e-mail the draft application to compositie@fondspodiumkunsten.nl.
Contact
Have a question about the Grant for composition or libretto commission? Send us an e-mail via compositie@fondspodiumkunsten.nl or call us on +31 (0)70-7072700 (Monday to Friday, 9.00-17.00 CET).

Guidelines: Grant for composition or libretto commission

Explanation: applications for composition or libretto commission grants

Anjali Goeptar
Anjali Goeptar
Administration Officer
070-7072752
@ a.goeptar@fondspodiumkunsten.nl
Ron Ford
Ron Ford
Secretary for Composition
070-7072791
@ r.ford@fondspodiumkunsten.nl
Bas de Kort
Bas de Kort
Grant Coordinator
070-7072733
@ b.kort@fondspodiumkunsten.nl
Carolijn van der Sanden
Carolijn van der Sanden
Grant Consultant
070-7072714
@ c.sanden@fondspodiumkunsten.nl
Rodney Meye
Rodney Meye
Grant Consultant
070-7072743
@ r.meye@fondspodiumkunsten.nl
Eduard Versteege
Eduard Versteege
Grant Consultant
070-7072744
@ e.versteege@fondspodiumkunsten.nl
Tinka Hoek
Tinka Hoek
Grant Consultant
070-7072718
@ t.hoek@fondspodiumkunsten.nl