Open Call: (PERMA) Culture Program 2028

Deadline: 10-Jul-2026

The (PERMA)CULTURE OPEN 2 CALL provides funding for artistic and cultural projects that will become part of the European Capital of Culture 2028 programme in České Budějovice, Czech Republic. The call supports innovative, public-facing cultural initiatives that engage communities, address European challenges, and strengthen regional, national, and international cultural cooperation.

Programme Overview

The (PERMA)CULTURE OPEN 2 CALL is an open funding opportunity designed to expand the European Capital of Culture 2028 programme in České Budějovice by supporting new cultural and artistic initiatives.

The programme creates opportunities for organizations that were not included in the original European Capital of Culture 2028 bid but can contribute valuable projects aligned with the programme’s vision and objectives.

Supported projects must deliver artistic or cultural activities for the public and take place within České Budějovice or the South Bohemian Region during 2028.

Funding Information

The call offers two funding categories.

Small Projects

• Minimum total project budget: CZK 750,000
• Maximum grant amount: CZK 1,500,000
• Funding coverage: Up to 70% of total project costs

Large Projects

• Minimum total project budget: CZK 2,200,000
• Maximum grant amount: CZK 4,000,000
• Funding coverage: Up to 50% of total project costs

Applicants must secure the remaining project funding through co-financing or other eligible funding sources.

Programme Focus Areas

The call supports projects that contribute to:

• Arts and culture
• Public cultural participation
• Creative innovation
• Community engagement
• European cultural cooperation
• International cultural exchange
• Regional cultural development
• Sustainable cultural programming
• Social inclusion through culture
• Cultural heritage and contemporary creativity
• Cross-border collaboration
• Audience development

Projects should combine local relevance with broader European perspectives.

Objectives of the Call

The programme aims to:

• Strengthen the European Capital of Culture 2028 programme.
• Increase participation of cultural organizations.
• Encourage innovative artistic practices.
• Support public cultural engagement.
• Foster international partnerships.
• Address contemporary European challenges through culture.
• Promote cultural diversity and creativity.
• Enhance the cultural profile of the South Bohemian Region.

What Types of Projects Are Supported?

Eligible projects should deliver artistic or cultural outputs intended for public audiences.

Examples may include:

• Cultural festivals.
• Performing arts productions.
• Visual arts exhibitions.
• Community arts programmes.
• Creative workshops.
• Interdisciplinary cultural initiatives.
• Public art projects.
• Cultural heritage activities.
• International artist collaborations.
• Educational and participatory cultural events.

Projects should demonstrate clear public benefit and cultural value.

Key Project Requirements

Projects must:

• Be implemented in České Budějovice or the South Bohemian Region.
• Deliver artistic or cultural outcomes.
• Be accessible to the public.
• Align with the European Capital of Culture 2028 vision.
• Demonstrate innovation and creativity.
• Respond to local and European cultural challenges.
• Include cooperation at regional, national, or international levels where relevant.

Why This Programme Matters

The European Capital of Culture initiative is one of Europe’s most significant cultural programmes.

Participation offers organizations the opportunity to:

• Reach wider audiences.
• Gain international visibility.
• Build strategic partnerships.
• Strengthen local cultural ecosystems.
• Contribute to regional development.
• Showcase innovative artistic practices.
• Support cultural exchange across Europe.

The programme also helps connect local cultural initiatives with broader European priorities and networks.

Who Is Eligible?

The call is open to legal entities from any country.

Eligible applicants include:

• Cultural organizations.
• Arts institutions.
• Nonprofit organizations.
• Foundations.
• Associations.
• Educational institutions.
• Cultural networks.
• Creative enterprises operating eligible cultural projects.

Applicants may be based in:

• The South Bohemian Region.
• The Czech Republic.
• European Union member states.
• Other countries worldwide.

Ineligible Applicants

• Individual persons cannot apply independently.
• Individuals may participate as members of project teams or implementation partners.

How Applications Are Evaluated

Projects are expected to demonstrate:

• Artistic quality.
• Innovation and originality.
• Public engagement potential.
• Alignment with European Capital of Culture objectives.
• Local relevance.
• European dimension.
• Feasibility and implementation capacity.
• Partnership and cooperation potential.
• Financial sustainability.

Strong proposals will show both local impact and broader European significance.

How to Apply

Step 1: Review Programme Objectives

Ensure the proposed project aligns with the goals of the European Capital of Culture 2028 programme.

Step 2: Select the Appropriate Funding Category

Choose between:

• Small Project category.
• Large Project category.

The selection should correspond to the project’s budget size and scope.

Step 3: Develop the Project Concept

Prepare a detailed proposal that explains:

• Project objectives.
• Artistic concept.
• Public engagement strategy.
• Expected outcomes.
• Partnership arrangements.
• Budget and financing plan.

Step 4: Build Partnerships

Consider cooperation with:

• Regional organizations.
• National cultural institutions.
• International partners.
• Community stakeholders.

Collaborative projects may strengthen application quality.

Step 5: Prepare Financial Documentation

Demonstrate:

• Total project budget.
• Co-financing arrangements.
• Financial feasibility.
• Resource allocation.

Step 6: Submit the Application

Complete all required application forms and submit supporting documentation before the official deadline.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Applicants should avoid:

• Weak alignment with European Capital of Culture objectives.
• Limited public engagement plans.
• Insufficient project innovation.
• Unrealistic budgets.
• Lack of co-financing strategy.
• Poorly defined project outcomes.
• Minimal local or European relevance.
• Weak partnership structures.

Tips for a Strong Application

• Clearly explain the project’s cultural value.
• Demonstrate public benefit and audience engagement.
• Highlight innovative artistic approaches.
• Show connections to European themes and challenges.
• Build meaningful partnerships.
• Present a realistic and balanced budget.
• Include measurable outcomes and impact indicators.
• Emphasize long-term cultural benefits for the region.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the (PERMA)CULTURE OPEN 2 CALL?

It is a funding programme supporting cultural and artistic projects that will contribute to the European Capital of Culture 2028 programme in České Budějovice.

Who can apply?

Any legal entity worldwide can apply, including cultural organizations, nonprofits, institutions, and associations.

Can individuals apply?

No. Individuals cannot apply independently but may participate as members of project implementation teams.

Where must projects take place?

Projects must be implemented within České Budějovice or the South Bohemian Region.

How much funding is available?

Small projects can receive up to CZK 1,500,000, while large projects can receive up to CZK 4,000,000.

Is co-financing required?

Yes. Small projects can receive up to 70% of eligible costs, while large projects can receive up to 50% of eligible costs.

What types of projects are encouraged?

The programme supports innovative artistic and cultural initiatives that engage the public, strengthen cultural cooperation, and contribute to European Capital of Culture objectives.

Conclusion

The (PERMA)CULTURE OPEN 2 CALL provides an important opportunity for cultural organizations to become part of the European Capital of Culture 2028 programme in České Budějovice. Through support for innovative, public-facing, and collaborative cultural initiatives, the programme aims to strengthen cultural participation, encourage international cooperation, and showcase the role of culture in addressing contemporary European challenges while creating lasting benefits for local communities and the wider cultural sector.

For more information, visit Budejovice.