Deadline: 02-Mar-2026
The Nordic Culture Point Culture and Art Programme funds collaborative Nordic arts and culture projects that promote creative production, skill development, knowledge exchange, and public engagement. Grants of up to EUR 100,000 are available for projects involving partners from at least three countries, including at least two Nordic countries, with varying co-financing requirements.
Programme Overview
The Nordic Culture Point Culture and Art Programme supports Nordic co-operation in the field of arts and culture by funding collaborative, cross-border projects that strengthen artistic creation, cultural exchange, and professional development.
The programme is open to a wide range of artistic and cultural initiatives and supports projects across all phases, from early concept development to production, presentation, and dissemination.
Objectives of the Programme
The programme aims to strengthen the Nordic cultural ecosystem by supporting projects that contribute to artistic innovation, knowledge sharing, and meaningful collaboration across borders.
Supported initiatives should create clear added value through Nordic cooperation and contribute to the long-term development of arts and culture in the Nordic region.
Types of Activities Supported
The Culture and Art Programme supports projects that involve cultural and artistic production, creative processes, and new work development.
It also funds initiatives that build skills and competencies within the arts and culture sector, create meeting spaces between artists and audiences, and enable knowledge development through shared methods and practices.
Eligible activities include discussions, debates, seminars, workshops, and other formats that foster exchange, learning, and public engagement within the cultural field.
Funding Amounts and Co-financing
Projects may apply for different funding levels depending on their budget size and co-financing structure.
Applicants may request up to EUR 7,000 without other funding sources.
Projects with at least 30 percent co-financing may apply for up to EUR 40,000.
Projects with at least 50 percent co-financing may apply for up to EUR 100,000.
The programme’s contribution can cover between 50 and 100 percent of total project costs, although pan-Nordic public funding sources may not exceed 85 percent of the total budget.
Eligible Costs and Project Phases
Funding may cover all costs directly related to the project, including artistic fees, production expenses, travel, accommodation, and dissemination costs.
Applicants are encouraged to include all project-related expenses in a single application rather than splitting costs across multiple funding sources.
Support may be granted for all project phases, including preliminary work, production, presentation, and dissemination, provided that the activities have not already started.
Approved projects may begin no earlier than ten weeks after the application deadline.
Ineligible Activities
The programme does not support tours of existing works, institutional or ongoing operational costs, or long-term or recurring projects.
Solo productions without partner involvement are not eligible, nor are projects related to film, television, games, or book publishing.
Education and formal training projects, commercial or non-cultural activities, and projects that have already started or been completed are also excluded from funding.
Who Can Apply
Anyone active in the field of art and culture may apply, provided the project meets the programme’s criteria and demonstrates a strong collaborative and Nordic dimension.
Projects must involve cooperation between partners from at least three countries, with at least two of these being Nordic countries.
Nordic countries include Norway, Denmark, Sweden, Iceland, Finland, Åland, the Faroe Islands, and Greenland.
Country affiliation is based on registered addresses rather than nationality, and applicants do not need to be based in the Nordic region if the Nordic dimension is clearly demonstrated through partners and project content.
Partnership and Nordic Dimension
Projects are expected to demonstrate meaningful collaboration, where cooperation between partners adds value through knowledge exchange, innovation, or shared expertise.
The Nordic dimension is assessed based on how the project contributes to cultural and artistic development in the Nordic region, promotes mobility and language understanding, and addresses Nordic themes or shared societal needs.
Assessment Criteria
Applications are evaluated based on collaborative dimension, Nordic relevance, quality, and sustainability.
Quality assessment considers artistic merit, clarity of objectives, feasibility, timetable, financing plan, and budget realism, as well as potential for innovation and long-term impact.
Sustainability is assessed across social, economic, and ecological dimensions, including inclusivity, diversity, environmental responsibility, and contribution to the competitiveness of Nordic arts and culture.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the Nordic Culture Point Culture and Art Programme?
It is a funding programme that supports Nordic cooperation in arts and culture through collaborative, cross-border cultural projects.
How much funding can a project receive?
Projects can receive up to EUR 7,000 without co-financing, up to EUR 40,000 with at least 30 percent co-financing, or up to EUR 100,000 with at least 50 percent co-financing.
How many partner countries are required?
Projects must involve partners from at least three countries, with at least two of them being Nordic countries.
Who is eligible to apply?
Anyone active in the field of arts and culture may apply, as long as the project meets the programme criteria and demonstrates a clear Nordic and collaborative dimension.
Are applicants required to be based in the Nordic region?
No. Applicants do not need to reside in the Nordic region, but the project must clearly demonstrate its Nordic relevance through partners and content.
What types of projects are not funded?
The programme does not fund ongoing operational costs, tours of existing works, film or publishing projects, formal education programmes, commercial activities, or projects that have already started.
When can an approved project begin?
Approved projects may begin at least ten weeks after the application deadline.
Conclusion
The Nordic Culture Point Culture and Art Programme offers significant support for collaborative cultural initiatives that strengthen Nordic artistic exchange and innovation.
By prioritising cooperation, quality, and sustainability, the programme provides a valuable opportunity for artists and cultural organisations to develop impactful projects that contribute to the long-term vitality of arts and culture across the Nordic region.
For more information, visit Nordic Culture Point.
