On 15 June 2012, the programme ‘Promotion of Diversity in Culture and Arts within European Cultural Heritage’ launched its first open call for projects proposals. Applications can be submitted until 15 October 2012.
Of the €4.9 million available in this call, 70% is earmarked large projects (€150,000 to €1 million) and 30% is set aside for smaller cultural exchange projects (€50,000 to €150,000). Projects may be implemented until 30 April 2016.
Project proposals may be submitted within four thematic areas:
• artistic and cultural education
• cultural heritage (incl. tangible and intangible cultural heritage as well as literature and archives)
• music and stage arts
• fine and visual arts
Examples of projects that may be financed are organisation of film festivals and concerts, exchanges of artists, cooperation between artistic schools and universities, and expert collaboration on conservation techniques.
Eligible applicants include:
• national and local government cultural institutions, film institutions
• public artistic schools and universities
• public universities
• state archives
• local government units and their associations • non-governmental organisations (NGOs) active in the field of culture
While the applicant needs to be a Polish entity, all projects need to have one partner from Iceland, Liechtenstein or Norway. Possible partners include cultural institutions, artistic school and universities, archives, NGOs and local government units. Funding is available to support search for projects partners, prepare joint applications, and for networking and exchange of best practices.
Further information on how to apply, as well as information about the appraisal and selection procedure, are available in the open call text.
The programme is managed by the Polish Ministry of Culture and National Heritage. The Arts Council Norway and the Norwegian Directorate for Cultural Heritage are playing active roles in both the programme management as well acting as contact points Norwegian institutions that are interested in partnership projects.
Cultural funding to Poland
As in the previous funding round, considerable funding is set aside to safeguard and revitalise cultural heritage in Poland and improve accessibility for the public. Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway contribute €60 million to this area, with an additional €10 million to promote diversity in culture and the arts.