My First Application

If you have not previously received a subsidy from the AFK, you can make use of 'My First Application', which will enable you to explain your application in person in a conversation with AFK staff members.

Both individual culture makers and professional artists and organisations can submit a My First Application, provided that they have not previously received funding from the AFK.

You can submit a My First Application for project funding under the 2012-2024 Project Subsidies for Professional Artists Scheme or under the 2021-2024 Project Subsidies for Cultural Participation Scheme. The minimum amount that can be requested under the Culture Participation Scheme is €1,500, while the minimum amount that can be requested by professional artists and organisations is €2,500. The maximum amount of funding that can be requested from the AFK under a My First Application is €5,000.

Submit your application in the usual way, using the online application form (we explain what information the AFK requires from you in the explanatory notes to the scheme). You will have the opportunity to discuss your project and ask questions during a 30 minute conversation with AFK staff members. Decisions on a ‘My First Application’ will be taken within one week of this meeting.

Only a limited number of ‘My First Application’ requests can be considered each month. Below are the dates for registration, sending in an application and meetings. You can register on the dates given from 09:00 via My AFK. To do so, you must first create an account.

PLEASE NOTE: there must be at least one month between the date of your meeting with the AFK and the first public presentation/performance of your project.

We receive a great many requests for a My First Application. If you want to be sure that your application will be processed, you should apply through the usual procedure, where you will find an overview of the normal funding options, and not through My First Application.

All appointments for My First Application take place at the AFK office, in Pakhuis de Zwijger.