As of 2004, following a policy memorandum of the ministry of Development Co-operation the Netherlands Embassy in Macedonia has had an annual Programme for Culture and Development (C&DP). In the policy memorandum, culture is attributed relevance for development from two separate perspectives: (i) culture a means/instrument for development and; (ii) culture in itself as an objective of development. It states that "the cultural dimension of projects is important for the effectiveness of development co-operation", i.e. that cultural factors need to be taken into consideration when aiming at the successful execution developmental interventions. Therefore, any activity undertaken under the C&DP will need to be in function of development in some way.

The substantive objectives of the programme are:

·         Strengthening of the cultural identity or self-awareness of a nation or group within a developing country;

·         Strengthening the position of specific persons/groups that play an important role in the cultural process;

·         Strengthening of structures that are important for the development of the cultural heritage and social and cultural achievements of the land or national group;

·         Broadening of cultural co-operation based on equality between various cultures and their representatives.

The Embassy Culture and Development programme for 2007-2008 focused on supporting biannual cultural programmes of five selected municipalities in Macedonia, taking into consideration some of the goals of the National Cultural Programme of the Republic of Macedonia for 2004-2008:

·         Decentralization of culture;

·         Using culture as a development resource; and

·         Protection and (re)creation of cultural heritage.

The municipalities that are supported by this programme are:  Bitola,  Veles,  Debar,  Mavrovo i Rostuse and  Kratovo.

The programme for 2009-2011 is curently being developped.

For more information on the programme contact Mrs. Beti Bakovska, Advisor for Development Cooperation, at:  beti.bakovska@minbuza.nl