Deadline: 19-Apr-2026
The Goethe-Institut, in partnership with Sister Cities International and Deutscher Städtetag, invites small and medium-sized U.S. cities with German sister city partnerships to apply for funding to support innovative cultural exchange projects. The program targets young audiences, strengthens transatlantic civil society engagement, and promotes mutually enriching cultural experiences.
Program Overview
The “Sister Cities – Connecting Places” initiative supports collaborative cultural projects between American cities and their German sister cities. The program is designed to reinforce existing partnerships, foster mutual understanding, and provide opportunities for creative engagement across borders.
Projects should focus on arts-driven initiatives that connect young audiences (up to 35 years old), build cultural visibility for participating cities, and provide platforms for innovative exchange.
Key Focus Areas
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Strengthening German-American sister city partnerships through cultural and artistic collaboration
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Engaging young audiences with innovative, forward-thinking cultural programs
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Promoting mutual understanding and civil society engagement across countries
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Increasing international visibility for small and medium-sized U.S. cities in the Midwest and Mountain states
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Encouraging arts-focused practices as tools for dialogue, participation, and cultural exchange
Eligibility
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City size: Populations of up to 750,000
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Existing partnership: Must have an established German-American sister city relationship
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Collaboration: Proposals must be jointly developed by the American and German sister cities
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Local involvement: Projects should include arts, culture, or community organizations from both cities
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Audience focus: Projects should engage broad, diverse, and youth audiences
Project Criteria
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Demonstrate artistic and conceptual quality
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Show innovative approaches and creative potential
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Foster meaningful, sustainable transatlantic connections
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Highlight local cultural strengths while promoting mutual understanding
Funding and Selection
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Approximately five to six projects will be selected for funding
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Funded projects should represent high-quality, engaging, and impactful cultural exchange
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Emphasis is placed on initiatives that can create lasting transatlantic ties beyond the immediate project period
Expected Outcomes
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Enhanced engagement between U.S. and German civil societies
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Strengthened sister city partnerships through arts and culture
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Opportunities for young audiences to experience international collaboration
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Increased visibility and cultural recognition for small and medium-sized U.S. cities
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Sustainable models for ongoing international exchange and partnership development
How to Apply
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Applications must be jointly developed by the American and German sister cities
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Include letters of support from local arts, cultural, or community organizations
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Clearly outline the project’s objectives, audience engagement strategies, artistic approach, and expected outcomes
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Selected projects will receive guidance and support from the Goethe-Institut and its partners
Conclusion
The Goethe-Institut’s “Sister Cities – Connecting Places” program offers a unique opportunity for U.S. cities to strengthen transatlantic cultural ties through innovative and engaging arts projects. By prioritizing youth engagement, collaborative approaches, and artistic excellence, the initiative helps build sustainable international partnerships and fosters meaningful cultural exchange between communities.
For more information, visit Goethe-Institut.
