Deadline: 04-Apr-2026
The ALF Mediterranean Capitals of Culture and Dialogue 2026 Call 1 supports cultural and intercultural activities in Matera (Italy) and Tétouan (Morocco), fostering dialogue, diversity, and youth engagement. Funding is available for small and medium-scale projects, promoting intercultural cooperation, sustainability, and community participation across the Mediterranean region.
Programme Overview
The Anna Lindh Foundation (ALF), in collaboration with the Union for the Mediterranean (UfM), invites applications for the Mediterranean Capitals of Culture and Dialogue 2026 Call 1. The initiative supports cultural and intercultural activities in Matera and Tétouan, aiming to:
- Promote intercultural dialogue across Mediterranean societies
- Support artistic performances and interactive cultural initiatives
- Strengthen cooperation between local administrations and civil society
- Enhance mutual understanding among Mediterranean communities
- Encourage youth engagement with central decision-making roles
- Ensure gender and geographical balance
- Foster audience interaction and local visibility of cultural activities
- Integrate sustainability and environmental considerations into projects
Background
The initiative emerged from a youth-driven vision, developed during a February 2022 Marseille gathering of over 200 young civil society representatives from 20+ countries. Their recommendations, backed by Euro-Mediterranean Ministers of Culture, led to endorsement by 43 Member States of the Euro-Mediterranean Partnership. The programme celebrates diversity and shared Mediterranean identity, with Matera and Tétouan as the 2026 designated capitals.
Funding Categories
Funding is structured into two main categories:
- Small-scale projects
- Up to €2,500
- Maximum three participants
- Medium-scale projects
- Between €2,500 and €5,000
- Maximum five participants
Applicants must provide a detailed proposal including all costs: venues, materials, travel, accommodation, and other relevant expenses. Co-financing by applicants or local partners is strongly encouraged to increase impact and reach.
Who is Eligible?
- Intercultural entities and cultural organisations active in the Mediterranean region
- Preference given to members of the ALF Network
- Organisations that have not received funding in previous calls between 2024 and early 2026
- Groups able to demonstrate experience in project implementation, audience engagement, and intercultural collaboration
Selection Criteria
Applications are evaluated based on:
- Cost effectiveness – alignment of budget with expected outcomes
- Credentials and experience – track record in cultural or intercultural projects
- Audience interaction – engagement strategies and participation plans
- Dissemination strategies – communication of results and outreach
- Sustainability considerations – long-term impact and environmental responsibility
How to Apply / How It Works
- Confirm Eligibility: Check if your organisation is an intercultural entity and aligns with ALF priorities.
- Project Design: Define activities promoting cultural dialogue, youth participation, and inclusivity.
- Budget Preparation: Include all expenses (venue, materials, travel, accommodation) and consider co-financing.
- Submit Proposal: Apply through the ALF Call portal before the deadline.
- Evaluation & Selection: ALF reviews applications based on quality, impact, and sustainability.
- Project Implementation: Funded projects take place in Matera or Tétouan with active local participation.
Why This Call Matters
- Strengthens cultural cooperation across Mediterranean societies
- Empowers youth and civil society to lead intercultural initiatives
- Promotes sustainable, inclusive, and environmentally responsible projects
- Enhances visibility of cultural activities and community participation
- Supports the development of shared Mediterranean identity and dialogue
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Submitting proposals without detailed cost breakdowns
- Failing to demonstrate youth involvement or audience engagement
- Ignoring sustainability and environmental considerations
- Applying as an organisation that has already received funding in recent calls
- Excluding co-financing opportunities where applicable
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Who can apply for this call?
Intercultural entities, cultural organisations, and ALF Network members active in Mediterranean societies, with preference to groups not funded in recent calls.
2. What types of projects are supported?
Artistic performances, interactive cultural initiatives, dialogue-focused activities, and projects promoting youth engagement and intercultural cooperation.
3. What is the funding range?
- Small-scale: up to €2,500
- Medium-scale: €2,500–€5,000
4. How many participants can each project support?
- Small-scale: up to 3 individuals
- Medium-scale: 3–5 individuals
5. Are co-financing or local partnerships required?
Not mandatory, but strongly encouraged to maximize impact and reach.
6. What criteria are used to select projects?
Cost effectiveness, experience, audience interaction, dissemination strategy, and sustainability considerations.
7. Where will projects take place?
Funded projects must be implemented in Matera (Italy) or Tétouan (Morocco).
Conclusion
The ALF Mediterranean Capitals of Culture and Dialogue 2026 Call 1 empowers cultural and intercultural entities to celebrate diversity, foster dialogue, and engage youth in meaningful Mediterranean cultural exchange. By supporting sustainable, inclusive, and interactive projects, ALF contributes to stronger regional cooperation and shared understanding across the Mediterranean.
For more information, visit Anna Lindh Foundation.
