Culture and media contribute 3.7 percent to GDP

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In 2015, the value added created by the production of cultural and media products amounted to 25.5 billion euros, equivalent to 3.7 percent of gross domestic product (GDP). The labour input associated with this production comprised 320 thousand labour years, i.e. 4.5 percent of total employment in the Netherlands.

The contribution of culture and media to GDP was thus slightly smaller than that of the construction sector (4.1 percent) but over twice as large as the contribution made by the agriculture, forestry and fishing sector (1.6 percent).

Advertising largest domain within culture and media

In 2015, the total supply of cultural and media products amounted to 58.1 billion euros. Advertising accounted for the largest supply, at 17.4 billion euros (30 percent). With 14.2 billion euros (24 percent), the audiovisual domain (radio, TV, films, etc.) comes in second place.

Of the total supply of cultural and media products, in 2015 roughly three-quarters (76 percent) came from domestic production and one-quarter from imports. The same proportion is applicable to the Dutch economy as a whole, in which 72 percent of all available goods and services consisted of domestic production.

Household consumption of culture and media at 14.1 billion euros

For many people, culture and media are an important leisure activity. For example, visiting a museum or theatre, watching TV, listening to music and reading books. One-fifth (21 percent) of the cultural and media products (14.1 billion euros) are therefore consumed by households. With a share of 40 percent (5.1 billion euros), the highest spending on cultural and media products is found in the audiovisual domain, followed by literature (books, newspapers, magazines, etc.) at 20 percent, performing arts at 16 percent and heritage, including museums, at 12 percent.

In addition to household consumption, 21 percent of the cultural and media products are exported. Nearly half (49 percent) of all cultural and media products are purchased by other companies.