Call for Artists: Local Artistic Practices (Italy)

Deadline: 15-Feb-2026

CultureAndHealth is inviting applications for its Local Artistic Practices call to support the growth and consolidation of existing community-rooted artistic initiatives in Italy. Selected projects receive €6,000, access to European networks, and professional support, focusing on community engagement, inclusion, and collaboration with health, social, or educational institutions. The program targets artists, collectives, and small associations already active in local contexts.

Overview of the Call

The Local Artistic Practices 2026 call supports the development, consolidation, and visibility of local artistic initiatives in Italy. The initiative aims to strengthen collaborations between artists and local communities while fostering professional growth through access to wider European networks and training.

Funding and Project Support

• Number of projects supported: 4

  • 1 project in the province of Bologna

  • 3 projects in other Italian regions

• Grant per project: €6,000

• Additional support: Access to European network for professional growth, training, and visibility

Eligible Activities

Funded projects may include:

• Workshops and residencies

• Artistic interventions in care or community settings

• Performances and exhibitions

• Research-based or interdisciplinary projects across visual arts, performing arts, music, writing, film, and other art forms

• Activities must focus on community engagement and meaningful inclusion of participants

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must meet the following requirements:

• Professional experience: At least three years of documented artistic practice

• Previous engagement: Experience in socially engaged or community-based projects

• Digital skills: Basic proficiency required

• Language skills: Minimum B1 level of English

• Location: Artists must work in Italy and demonstrate knowledge of the local community context

• Organization size: Associations or companies with more than five employees are not eligible

• Project status: Must be an existing initiative with prior support from funding, resources, donations, or volunteer work; completely new ideas are not eligible

• Excluded projects: Clinical or therapeutic interventions (e.g., art therapy, music therapy)

Inclusion and Community Engagement

• Participation must be central and co-created with community members

• Projects should avoid tokenism and ensure participants influence objectives, methods, and outcomes

• Each selected project must include at least 15 co-creation meetings with the community

• Strong focus on meaningful inclusion, especially of marginalized groups, using intersectional approaches

Institutional Partnership Requirement

• Identify at least one institutional partner from the health, social, or education sectors (e.g., hospitals, schools, libraries, prisons)

• Partner must actively collaborate, participate in meetings, and contribute to final reporting

• Demonstrates long-term potential and concrete institutional cooperation beyond the funding period

Project Timeline

• Project duration: April 15, 2026 – November 15, 2026

• Ongoing monitoring, interim reporting, and final reporting required

• Reports must document methodology, community involvement, observed effects, and lessons learned

Application Process

Phase 1 – Preliminary Submission:

• Online application form

• Artistic CV and portfolio

• Signed letters of intent from institutional partners

Phase 2 – Shortlisted Applicants:

• Submit detailed project description and cost plan

• Participate in online interview

• Selected projects proceed to implementation with monitoring and reporting requirements

Why This Call Matters

• Strengthens local artistic practices and community-rooted initiatives

• Encourages professional development and European collaboration

• Promotes inclusion, social engagement, and meaningful participation of communities

• Builds sustainable partnerships with health, social, and educational institutions

Common Tips for Applicants

• Clearly demonstrate existing project impact and community connection

• Include concrete plans for collaboration with institutional partners

• Emphasize inclusion, co-creation, and intersectional approaches

• Provide evidence of prior experience and professional expertise

• Prepare clear monitoring and reporting plans for project outcomes

FAQ

1. Who can apply? Artists, collectives, and small associations already engaged in local artistic or cultural projects in Italy.
2. How many projects will be funded? Four projects in total, one in Bologna and three in other regions.
3. What is the grant amount? €6,000 per project.
4. Are new projects eligible? No, only ongoing initiatives with prior engagement are eligible.
5. Is institutional partnership required? Yes, at least one health, social, or educational partner must actively collaborate.
6. Can organizations with more than five employees apply? No, they are not eligible.
7. Are art therapy or clinical interventions eligible? No, such projects are explicitly excluded.
8. When must projects be implemented? Between April 15, 2026, and November 15, 2026.

Conclusion

The Local Artistic Practices 2026 call by CultureAndHealth supports the growth, consolidation, and professionalization of local artistic initiatives in Italy. By funding existing projects, fostering community co-creation, and promoting institutional partnerships, the program strengthens inclusion, social engagement, and sustainable cultural practices across local communities.

For more information, visit CultureAndHealth.