Describe the main features of the policy/measure:
The key objective of both measures CultuurKaart (Culture Card) and MBO Kaart (Secondary Vocational Education Card) is to lower the bar for young people in the Netherlands to visit cultural institutions and to participate in cultural activities. The Cultuurkaart, which is handed out to pupils in secondary education, provides them with a budget to spend on cultural education. This measure is funded by the Ministry of Education, Culture and Science and by individual schools.
The MBO Kaart was introduced on January 1st, 2016 by the Minister of Education, Culture and Science. This card is handed out to students enrolled in a secondary vocational education programme. With this card, students receive a discount on tickets to a cultural activity. The aim of this card is to better embed cultural activities within the school curriculum.
Website of the policy/measure, if available:
What are the results achieved so far through the implementation of the policy/measure?:
726.817 pupils have used the Cultuurkaart during the academic year 2019-2020. This is 76% of all secondary school students in The Netherlands.
At the start in 2016, a total of 165.000 students activated the MBO Kaart. In 2019, this number has decreased to 83.000.
Financial resources allocated to the policy/measure in USD:
Cultuurkaart: USD 5.940.221 per year (EUR 4.900.000 per year)
MBO Kaart: USD 771.395 per year (EUR 635.000 per year)
Partner(s) engaged in the implementation of the measure:
| Name of partner | Type of entity |
|---|---|
CJP
| Civil Society Organization (CSO)
|
Has the implementation of the policy/measure been evaluated?:
YES
If yes, what are the main conclusions/recommendations?:
The MBO Kaart was evaluated in 2020. The evaluation showed that the card is mostly used by students for discounts in leisure time. The positive effect of this card is that it does stimulate students to engage in cultural activities. Nevertheless, the effects on cultural education in secondary vocational education is very limited. To be more successful, in the evaluation it was recommended that a budget is charged on the card, comparable to the method used with the Cultuurkaart. At the moment we are exploring the possibilities for this recommendation.