The Finnish Cultural Institute for the Benelux, one of the seventeen Finnish cultural and scientific institutes, is an independent non-profit organisation. Since its establishment in 1993, it has operated in the cultural fields of the Netherlands, Belgium and Luxembourg. The institute's main task is to create links between professionals, institutions and organisations in Finland and the Benelux-area. Cooperation with its international networks and partners, such as embassies, combined with thorough knowledge of the local and Finnish cultures functions as a starting point for the institute's operation. The Finnish Cultural Institute for the Benelux works in all areas of culture, ranging from literature and music to design and performing arts. In recent years its focus has been on performing arts and design.