Deadline: 31-Dec-2026
The Culture for Development project in North Macedonia offers grants of up to 178,500 MKD for structured job shadowing and on-the-job learning initiatives. The scheme strengthens cultural and artistic professionals and organizations through time-bound capacity-building exchanges lasting up to four weeks, fostering professional development, strategic stability, and inclusive cultural practices.
Overview
The Job Shadowing Scheme under the Culture for Development project provides funding for structured, time-bound knowledge transfer to build the capacities of cultural and artistic professionals and organizations in North Macedonia. The initiative focuses on professional and organizational development by enabling participants to gain practical experience through job shadowing, mentorship, and on-the-job learning within cultural and artistic organizations. The broader Culture for Development project seeks to strengthen the independent, diverse, and inclusive culture sector, safeguarding democratic values, promoting social cohesion, and enabling citizens—including vulnerable groups—to engage with socially relevant topics through culture.
Funding and Grant Details
The maximum funding available per project is 178,500 MKD. The job shadowing exchange can last up to four weeks, allowing participants to gain meaningful hands-on experience in organizational operations, project management, and artistic practices. Funded projects are expected to contribute to long-term capacity-building, organizational stability, and professional growth for both individuals and institutions.
Who is Eligible?
Eligible applicants include:
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Cultural and artistic organizations
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Artistic collectives and initiatives
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Civil society organizations engaged in cultural or artistic activities, even if not their primary focus
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Other legal entities active in arts and culture, including independent foundations, endowments, limited liability companies, and entrepreneurs
Applicants must be: -
Registered legal entities with the Central Registry of the Republic of North Macedonia
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In compliance with laws regarding public contributions, taxes, and fees
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Individuals involved in project implementation must have prior experience in cultural or artistic project delivery
Applicants are not eligible if they, or supporting individuals, promote or have supported discriminatory, radical, violent, racist, or nationalist behaviours or views. Organizations not registered under national law or with unresolved legal obligations are also ineligible.
Objectives of the Scheme
The Job Shadowing Scheme aligns with the broader Culture for Development objectives:
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Objective 1: Ensure cultural and artistic organizations are well-resourced, capacitated, strategically stable, and financially secure
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Objective 2: Create more favorable conditions for the independent cultural scene to operate effectively
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Objective 3: Enable citizens, including vulnerable groups, to engage with the independent cultural sector to voice concerns on socially relevant issues
The scheme directly contributes to these objectives by building skills, organizational knowledge, and professional networks through structured learning experiences.
How to Apply / How It Works
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Check Eligibility: Confirm legal entity registration, compliance with national laws, and prior project experience.
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Develop Proposal: Include objectives, planned activities, expected learning outcomes, and organizational impact.
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Submit Application: Follow the guidelines issued by the Culture for Development project within the stated deadlines.
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Assessment: Applications are evaluated on relevance, potential for capacity-building, feasibility, and alignment with cultural development objectives.
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Grant Award & Implementation: Successful applicants receive funding to implement a job shadowing exchange of up to four weeks, with activities designed to strengthen professional skills and organizational capacity.
Tips for a Strong Application:
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Clearly demonstrate the learning and capacity-building outcomes for participants.
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Align project objectives with organizational growth and sectoral development goals.
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Highlight prior experience in cultural or artistic project implementation.
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Emphasize inclusive and socially relevant activities that strengthen community engagement.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
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Applying without proper legal registration or unresolved financial obligations.
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Proposing projects without prior experience or expertise in cultural and artistic activities.
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Including participants or supporters linked to discriminatory, violent, or extremist practices.
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Submitting unclear objectives or failing to demonstrate professional and organizational impact.
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Exceeding the maximum funding limit or project duration.
Why This Scheme Matters
The Culture for Development Job Shadowing Scheme strengthens the professional capacities of cultural and artistic professionals, ensuring that organizations can operate sustainably, inclusively, and strategically. By investing in structured learning and mentorship opportunities, the program fosters democratic values, social cohesion, and inclusive cultural expression across North Macedonia.
FAQ – Job Shadowing Scheme
1. What is the maximum funding available? 178,500 MKD per project.
2. What is the maximum duration of the job shadowing exchange? Four weeks.
3. Who can apply? Cultural and artistic organizations, artistic collectives, civil society organizations, foundations, endowments, LLCs, and entrepreneurs active in arts and culture.
4. Are prior experience requirements mandatory? Yes, participants and project implementers must have prior experience in cultural or artistic project delivery.
5. Can organizations with unresolved legal obligations apply? No, all public contributions, taxes, and fees must be settled.
6. Are discriminatory or extremist-linked organizations eligible? No, any applicant associated with such activities is ineligible.
7. What are the main objectives of the program? Strengthening organizational capacity, supporting independent cultural sectors, and enabling citizens to engage with socially relevant issues.
Conclusion
The Culture for Development Job Shadowing Scheme provides funding and structured learning opportunities for cultural and artistic professionals and organizations in North Macedonia. By combining hands-on experience, mentorship, and capacity-building, the scheme fosters professional growth, organizational stability, and inclusive cultural development, contributing to a stronger, more engaged, and socially conscious cultural sector.
For more information, visit Heartefact Fund.
