Groeispurt

Groeispurt a Nijmegen-based grant program for the arts and culture that supports new initiatives in their artistic development by giving them room to experiment. Through Groeispurt , Cultuur Academy Groeispurt give Cultuur Academy talent a helping hand, without unnecessary restrictions or obligations. The program offers a quick and flexible form of support to promote artistic growth and experimentation.

Application rounds and budget

Applications are processed in the order they are received, spread across three periods. If there is a large number of applications, the budget may be exhausted before the end of a period. In that case, you can submit a new application at the start of the next period . Please note: Period 2 | 2026 is closed due to the volume of applications. Applications can be submitted again starting at 9:00 a.m. on September 21, 2026.

For 2026, the periods are as follows:

Period 1 | 2026 (closed)
Submit starting January 5, 2026
Period 2 | 2026 (closed)
Submit starting May 18, 2026
Period 3 | 2026
Submit starting September 21, 2026

Would you like to learn more about Funds & Grants? Visit the topic page in our knowledge base. Want to apply right away? Click here!

Application Preparation

Below you’ll find guidelines for completing your application, tailored to your discipline. If your project is a crossover or multidisciplinary one, review the various disciplines that apply. Groeispurt isn’t Groeispurt that for nothing—it’s about the Groeispurt as a creator, will experience thanks to your project. So try to formulate a clear answer to this. Where are you starting, and where do you want to be by the end of the project? Is this project a step toward an even greater ambition? What is your dream or goal on the horizon? Also try to clarify what you’ve learned by the end of the project. What new skills, knowledge, and/or professional network have you gained? Your development doesn’t have to be limited to artistic or content-related areas.

Important things to look out for in your application

• Your application should include a budget, and we encourage you to include a fee for yourself as well. Please do provide a clear breakdown of your hourly rate and, for example, what hours you expect to make in what phase of your project.
• Are you going to present/exhibit/release your work somewhere? Make sure that contact has already been made with the location so that the (im)possibilities are clear. A commitment from the location is of course a plus point! Please note that if your project is part of a larger project/program that already receives funding from the municipality of Nijmegen, your project will not be eligible. In case of doubt, please check this!
• If you need permission from third parties for your project (think permit from municipality, owner of location or land, etc.) make sure that here too you are already clear about what can and cannot be done.

Fund coordinator & advisors

The Groeispurt run by Maike Pijnappel. She began working as a fund coordinator in March 2025 and Stroomversneller both the Groeispurt Stroomversneller . Maike does not evaluate the applications Stroomversneller her own. For each discipline, there is an advisor who assesses the artistic quality of your application and the development you envision as a creator. The advisors all possess a wealth of knowledge and professional experience and have an extensive cultural network in Nijmegen and beyond. For multidisciplinary projects, the application is reviewed by multiple advisors.

Jade Kerste

Fine arts consultant

Jorien Stravens

Consultant music

Heleen Kalkman

Consultant theater & dance

Mathieu Janssen

Advisor film

Roos Aduagyei

Advisor hip hop

Willem Claassen

Consultant literature

Application process Groeispurt

1) Review the criteria

• Does your project meet the criteria? Then you can proceed to step 2.

2) Start your application

• Check out the questions we ask using the sample form.
• Create a budget and funding plan for your project. Not sure how? Check out our pages with examples: click here for a simple budget, here for a detailed budget, and here for a very detailed budget.
• Be clear about your target audience and promotion strategy. You can read more about how to determine your target audience and develop a promotional strategy in our Knowledge Base.
• Define what discipline your project falls into. Should it be a crossover or multidisciplinary project, look at the different disciplines that apply.
• Create a project schedule.
• Make sure your portfolio and/or resume is up to date.

💡Tip: Did you know that you can also include your own fee in your Groeispurt? Fair Pay is an important part of the Fair Practice Code, so make sure you pay yourself fairly, too. Read more here about what constitutes appropriate compensation.

3) Choose your application method (you can apply in three ways)

• By filling out the application form as completely as possible.
• By creating a project plan in which you answer our questions from the application form.
• Through a conversation with the fund coordinator and one of our advisors (a question-and-answer session) in which you answer the questions on the form and provide details about your project.

Unsure of which way is right for you? Contact us and we'll think with you.

4) Make the application

• Complete the application form.
• If you have created a project plan, you can put a brief summary at the answer boxes and refer to your project plan.
• If you would like to submit your application through an interview, please describe in approximately 100 words why the project Groeispurt for Groeispurt and attach this description. In the application form, you may refer to “application interview” in the response fields. We will then contact you to schedule an interview.
• Upload the required documents
  • Budget
  • CV and/or portfolio
  • Bank statement (only name and account number visible)

5) Email confirmation

You will receive an email confirmation of your request within 1 hour. If you do not receive a confirmation, please contact us.

6) Review of your application

We aim to respond within 6 weeks. Our advisors will evaluate your application based on the criteria, considering the project as a whole and whether it aligns with Groeispurt core values. For multidisciplinary projects, multiple advisors will be involved. If we have any additional questions, you’ll have the opportunity to answer them. We’ll let you know via email, including an estimated timeframe for when we’d like to receive the requested additional information.

7) Award or rejection

If you are awarded a grant, you will receive a letter explaining exactly what we expect from you. If you are rejected, we will try to explain the reasons as carefully as possible and help you think about where you could apply for support. You may also receive a conditional grant, for example if you still need to cover part of the budget with external funds/resources. In that case we will make arrangements about how and when this will be delivered.

8) What happens after award?

• You receive the money in your account and you can start implementing your project.
• You will receive a logo package from us and we ask you to include our name/logo on all communications (flyers, posters, etc).
• We would like to receive an invitation to the public moment of your project (except education projects).
• Upon completion of your project, we ask you to fill out our evaluation form and upload an image of the project. We will then feature your project on our website and social media channels.
• Would you like to learn more about the VAT implications of the subsidy you receive? Read the article“Receiving a Subsidy and VAT” in our Knowledge Base here.

Do you have questions about the Groeispurt are you unsure about applying? Feel free to contact Maike at groeispurt. You can also ask your questions by phone. Phone consultation hours are every Tuesday from 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. at 06 36277689.

Please note: Period 2 | 2026 is closed due to the high volume of applications. Applications can be submitted again starting at 9:00 a.m. on September 21, 2026.