’Dutch Architecture Policy and Institutional Infrastructure since the 1990’s

This paper examines the Dutch policy for architecture and spatial design within the framework of the theory of creative industries. Creative industries are a young concept that emerged in the mid 1980’s as a form of commercial cultural production associated with consumerism. The definition of the cultural industry is rather ambiguous in terms of its scope and its relation to the traditional field of art and cultural heritage. The paper describes the theory of the creative industry and relates the Dutch policy for architecture and spatial design to the creative industries theory. The sector of architecture and spatial design in the Netherlands has since the early 1990’s been systematically supported by a national policy. Within this period a sophisticated infrastructure of institutions and funding incentives has created a successful and active culture of architecture, spatial design, architectural curating, architecture criticism, education, talent development, and research. Critical success factors for the Dutch policy are the separation of the cultural policy for architecture and spatial design from the art and cultural heritage sector, the ‘depth’ of the Dutch policy extending into fields not directly related to architecture and spatial design as well as the pro active role of the public sector assigning a central role to the architect and involving him in the beginning of the process.