The joint project Culture and Creativity for the Western Balkans (CC4WBs), implemented by UNESCO, British Council, and Italian Agency for Development Cooperation (AICS), aims to enhance the performance of the cultural and creative sector by strengthening skills, knowledge, and access to financial support. This is intended to boost competitiveness, ensure sustainable co-production, and improve the circulation of goods and services in the Western Balkans region.

The project seeks to foster intercultural dialogue and improve the socio-economic impact of the cultural and creative sector across the Western Balkans (Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo*, Montenegro, North Macedonia, and Serbia).

Currently, the project has launched a Public Call for Grants: “Creative Leaders Exchange”, aimed at leaders and creatives in the cultural and creative industries.

You may apply for grants of up to €10,000.

Purpose of the Call

The grants support exchange, including networking and potential direct collaboration, between cultural leaders from the Western Balkans (WB) and host organisations/institutions in Europe through study and research visits.

The primary goal of the grants is to promote innovative approaches, methods, and formats in the arts and culture. This initiative provides opportunities to share perspectives, exchange knowledge, and foster collaboration between grantees and their European hosts.

The initiative will enhance the capacities and expand the professional networks of both grantees and host organisations through:

  • Encouraging international exchange of experiences between grantees and hosts via study/research activities, collaboration, or other initiatives;
  • Broadening professional perspectives through innovative approaches in specific areas of the cultural sector;
  • Supporting the development of new ideas with plans for their implementation and promoting innovative artistic practices;
  • Expanding professional networks at the European level;
  • Promoting the diversity of cultural expressions from the Western Balkans.

Your Application Should Include:

  • Information about yourself (CV in English attached);
  • The purpose of the visit and the idea behind it;
  • Details about the host organisation and the agreed arrangement;
  • Duration of the visit in days, location, and time frame. Grant implementation is planned from March 2025 at the earliest and must be completed no later than 31 December 2025;
  • A signed letter from the host organisation confirming their interest and availability for the planned visit duration.

The public call for applications is open until 1 December 2024, at 23:59 (CET).

Applications are accepted exclusively in English, and the original CC4WBs public call with all detailed information for applying can be found HERE.

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*This designation does not prejudice the status of Kosovo and is in line with United Nations Security Council Resolution 1244/1999 and the International Court of Justice’s opinion on Kosovo’s declaration of independence.