Deadline: 03-Aug-2026
The LINA Open Call 2026–2027 invites emerging creatives from Creative Europe countries and Switzerland to submit innovative proposals at the intersection of architecture and spatial practices. Selected applicants will become Spotlight LINA Fellows, attend the LINA Forum in Barcelona, receive mentoring and promotional support, and collaborate with a network of leading European cultural and architecture institutions.
LINA Open Call 2026–2027 Overview
The LINA Open Call is an international opportunity designed to support emerging creatives, practitioners, researchers, designers, artists, architects, writers, and interdisciplinary collectives working in architecture and spatial practices. The programme creates a platform where innovative ideas can develop into impactful collaborations with leading European institutions.
The 2026–2027 edition seeks bold and original proposals that address contemporary social, environmental, and cultural challenges through architecture, design, research, and other spatial practices. The programme encourages participants to explore how spatial culture can contribute to more sustainable, inclusive, and resilient communities while responding to issues such as the climate crisis, ethical design, and social transformation.
Selected participants become Spotlight LINA Fellows, gaining access to mentoring, international networking, research opportunities, exhibitions, public engagement activities, writing projects, artistic residencies, and collaborative initiatives. The programme also provides long-term opportunities to work with members of the LINA network and showcase selected outcomes during the LINA Festival in Ljubljana in April 2028.
Focus Areas
The programme welcomes proposals related to:
- Architecture
- Spatial practices
- Urban design
- Landscape architecture
- Design research
- Artistic research
- Public space innovation
- Environmental sustainability
- Climate resilience
- Ethical architecture
- Social inclusion
- Community engagement
- Cultural heritage
- Participatory design
- Spatial storytelling
- Exhibitions
- Writing and publishing
- Research projects
- Residencies
- Interdisciplinary collaboration
- Public programmes
Programme Benefits
Selected Spotlight LINA Fellows receive:
- Invitation to attend the LINA Forum in Barcelona in October 2026.
- Recognition as a Spotlight LINA Fellow.
- Mentoring from leading European professionals.
- Networking opportunities with the LINA network.
- Collaboration opportunities with leading European cultural institutions.
- Promotional support for their work.
- Travel reimbursement of up to €350.
- Accommodation during the LINA Forum.
- Opportunities to participate in research, exhibitions, residencies, writing, and public engagement activities.
- Potential presentation of collaborative work at the LINA Festival in Ljubljana in April 2028.
- Honorariums and project expenses covered through collaboration contracts with LINA Members.
Who Is Eligible?
Applicants must:
- Be residents or nationals of one of the 41 Creative Europe countries or Switzerland.
- Be emerging creatives who are not yet internationally established.
- Apply as an individual or collective.
- Submit either:
- A completed project, or
- A new project proposal.
- Demonstrate innovative thinking and strong conceptual development.
There are:
- No age restrictions.
- No educational qualification requirements.
Eligible Project Types
The programme accepts proposals including:
- Architectural concepts
- Design projects
- Spatial research
- Urban interventions
- Artistic installations
- Public engagement initiatives
- Cultural projects
- Community-based design
- Research publications
- Experimental design practices
- Collaborative creative projects
- Innovative spatial methodologies
Why This Opportunity Matters
The LINA Open Call provides emerging creatives with access to one of Europe’s leading collaborative networks for architecture and spatial culture. Beyond funding, the programme offers valuable international exposure, professional mentoring, institutional partnerships, and opportunities to develop innovative ideas into real-world projects.
By supporting interdisciplinary collaboration and critical thinking, LINA helps participants build international careers while contributing creative solutions to environmental, cultural, and social challenges.
Selection Process
The programme follows several stages.
Stage 1 – Open Call
Applicants submit a proposal together with an expression of interest in collaborating with LINA Members.
Stage 2 – Evaluation
Applications are assessed based on:
- Innovation
- Originality
- Quality
- Adaptability
- Relevance to contemporary challenges
- Potential for collaboration
Stage 3 – Spotlight LINA Fellows Selection
Approximately 20 to 22 applicants are selected as Spotlight LINA Fellows.
Stage 4 – LINA Forum
Selected Fellows participate in the LINA Forum in Barcelona, meet LINA Members, and begin developing collaborative opportunities.
Stage 5 – Collaborations
Successful collaborations are formalized through contracts covering honorariums and project expenses.
How to Apply
Step 1. Confirm that you meet the nationality or residency requirements.
Step 2. Develop an innovative proposal related to architecture or spatial practices.
Step 3. Prepare supporting information explaining your project concept and collaborative interests.
Step 4. Submit your proposal through the official application process.
Step 5. Demonstrate how your work addresses contemporary environmental, cultural, or social challenges.
Step 6. If selected, attend the LINA Forum in Barcelona and explore collaboration opportunities with LINA Members.
Tips for a Strong Application
- Present an original and clearly developed concept.
- Demonstrate critical thinking and creative innovation.
- Show how your project contributes to architecture or spatial practice.
- Address contemporary social or environmental issues where relevant.
- Explain the practical impact of your proposal.
- Highlight your willingness to collaborate internationally.
- Ensure your proposal is well researched and clearly presented.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Submitting incomplete project descriptions.
- Presenting ideas without sufficient conceptual development.
- Ignoring the collaborative nature of the programme.
- Providing unclear project objectives.
- Failing to demonstrate originality.
- Overlooking the relevance of contemporary spatial challenges.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Who can apply for the LINA Open Call?
Emerging individuals and collectives from the 41 Creative Europe countries and Switzerland working in architecture, design, research, and related spatial practices.
How many Spotlight LINA Fellows will be selected?
Approximately 20 to 22 applicants will be selected as Spotlight LINA Fellows.
Is there an age limit?
No. There are no age restrictions for applicants.
Do applicants need formal qualifications in architecture?
No. There are no educational requirements. Applicants are selected based on the quality and originality of their proposals.
What financial support is available?
Selected Fellows receive accommodation, travel reimbursement of up to €350, promotional support, and additional honorariums and project expenses through collaboration contracts with LINA Members.
Can applicants submit new ideas instead of completed projects?
Yes. Both completed works and well-developed new project ideas are eligible.
What opportunities are available after selection?
Spotlight LINA Fellows may participate in mentoring, research, residencies, exhibitions, writing projects, public engagement activities, and collaborations with leading European institutions, with selected outcomes potentially showcased at the LINA Festival in Ljubljana in 2028.
Conclusion
The LINA Open Call 2026–2027 offers an outstanding opportunity for emerging creatives to gain international recognition, expand professional networks, and collaborate with some of Europe’s leading institutions working in architecture and spatial practices. Through mentoring, residencies, exhibitions, research, and collaborative projects, the programme supports innovative ideas that address today’s environmental, cultural, and social challenges while helping participants build sustainable international careers.
For more information, visit LINA Community.
