Applications open for Collaborative Art Projects in Cyprus

Deadline: 20-Jun-2026

The Technical Committee on Culture (Cyprus) is funding joint artistic projects between Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot artists to promote shared cultural heritage and intercultural dialogue. The programme supports collaborative work across all art forms, including visual arts, music, theatre, literature, film, and performance. Selected projects can receive up to €15,000 under an EU-funded UNDP-managed grant scheme.

Overview

The Technical Committee on Culture is inviting cross-community cultural collaboration projects across Cyprus.

The initiative is funded by the European Union and implemented by UNDP (United Nations Development Programme) under a Low Value Grants modality.

Its primary goal is to strengthen cultural cooperation between:

• Greek Cypriot artists and cultural workers
• Turkish Cypriot artists and cultural workers

Key Objectives

The programme promotes cultural unity, dialogue, and creative collaboration across communities.

Core objectives include:

• Strengthening shared cultural heritage in Cyprus
• Encouraging intercultural artistic dialogue
• Supporting joint creative production across communities
• Promoting sustainable cultural development
• Building trust and collaboration through arts and culture

Eligible Art Forms and Disciplines

The call is open to all artistic and cultural disciplines.

Eligible fields include:

• Visual arts
• Photography
• Music
• Theatre
• Performance art
• Dance
• Literature
• Film and media arts
• Folk and traditional arts
• Cross-disciplinary and experimental practices

Nature of Supported Projects

The programme supports joint artistic collaborations that emphasize meaningful cross-community engagement.

Expected project characteristics:

• Collaborative creation between Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot artists
• Focus on shared cultural narratives and heritage
• Artistic dialogue between communities
• Public engagement or dissemination of work
• Documentation of cultural collaboration outcomes

Funding Details

Selected projects receive direct financial support for implementation.

Grant amount:

• Up to €15,000 per project

Eligible costs include:

• Production costs
• Project implementation
• Public dissemination activities
• Documentation of artistic work

Eligibility Criteria

The programme has clear requirements to ensure cross-community collaboration.

Team composition requirement:

• Each project team must include at least:
  • 1 Greek Cypriot member
  • 1 Turkish Cypriot member

Applicant requirements:

• All team members must be registered on the TCC Networking Platform
• The lead applicant must be:
  • A registered legal entity OR
  • Formally collaborating with a registered entity

Application flexibility:

• Multiple applications from the same entity are allowed
• Encourages broad participation across cultural organizations

Governance and Administration

Funding structure:

• Funded by the European Union
• Implemented by UNDP
• Managed under Low Value Grants modality

This ensures:

• Transparent funding distribution
• Structured project oversight
• Accessibility for smaller cultural initiatives

Who Can Apply?

The programme is open to:

• Individual artists (as part of eligible teams)
• Cultural workers and creative professionals
• Arts organizations and collectives
• NGOs and cultural institutions
• Cross-community artistic partnerships

Why This Programme Matters

This initiative supports peacebuilding and cultural integration through the arts.

Key benefits:

• Strengthens intercommunal cooperation in Cyprus
• Promotes shared cultural identity and heritage
• Encourages dialogue through creative expression
• Supports grassroots cultural collaboration
• Enhances visibility of local artists
• Builds long-term cultural partnerships across communities
• Contributes to social cohesion through the arts

How It Works / How to Apply

Step-by-step process:

1. Form a joint team including Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot members
2. Register all team members on the TCC Networking Platform
3. Develop a collaborative artistic project proposal
4. Ensure clear integration of shared cultural or dialogue themes
5. Submit application under the Low Value Grants programme
6. Selected projects receive funding and proceed to implementation
7. Projects are implemented, documented, and disseminated

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Eligibility mistakes:

• Missing required cross-community team composition
• Not registering on the TCC Networking Platform
• Lack of formal link with a registered lead entity

Proposal mistakes:

• Weak intercultural collaboration focus
• Individual rather than joint artistic creation
• No clear documentation or dissemination plan

Project design mistakes:

• Ignoring shared cultural heritage component
• Lack of engagement between communities
• Overly commercial or non-cultural focus

Tips for Strong Applications

• Ensure true collaboration between both communities
• Focus on shared cultural identity or heritage narratives
• Clearly define artistic process and joint creation approach
• Include public engagement or exhibition component
• Plan documentation (film, archive, publication, etc.)
• Highlight intercultural dialogue outcomes

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the main goal of this programme?

To promote collaboration between Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot artists through joint cultural and artistic projects.

2. How much funding is available?

Each selected project can receive up to €15,000.

3. Who can apply?

Teams of artists and cultural workers from both Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot communities.

4. Is cross-community collaboration required?

Yes, each team must include at least one member from each community.

5. What types of art are supported?

All forms, including visual arts, music, theatre, film, dance, literature, and interdisciplinary arts.

6. Who manages the programme?

The European Union funds it, and UNDP administers it under the Technical Committee on Culture.

7. Do applicants need to register anywhere?

Yes, all members must be registered on the TCC Networking Platform.

Conclusion

The EU–UNDP Technical Committee on Culture grant programme fosters meaningful artistic collaboration between Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot communities. By supporting joint creative projects across diverse art forms, it strengthens cultural dialogue, promotes shared heritage, and uses art as a tool for connection, understanding, and long-term social cohesion in Cyprus.

For more information, visit Technical Committee on Culture.