Deadline: 28-Feb-23
The UNESCO-Aschberg Programme, funded by the Kingdom of Norway, invites governments, public institutions, and civil society organizations to submit projects supporting artistic freedom and the status of artists. Grants and technical assistance are available to help implement initiatives protecting artists’ rights, promoting creative expression, and fostering participation in cultural life. The programme prioritizes innovation, gender equality, and multi-stakeholder collaboration across local, national, and international levels.
Programme Overview
The UNESCO-Aschberg Programme aims to protect and promote artistic freedom, including the status of the artist. Projects focus on:
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Ensuring artists’ work is supported, distributed, and remunerated.
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Upholding artists’ freedom of movement and association.
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Protecting the social and economic rights of artists.
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Guaranteeing everyone’s right to participate in cultural life.
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Supporting the right to create without censorship.
The programme includes two distinct funding tracks, targeting governments/public institutions and civil society organizations, to implement tailored initiatives aligned with UNESCO’s strategic priorities.
Tracks and Focus Areas
Track 1 – Technical Assistance for Governments and Public Institutions
Purpose: Support governments and public institutions in designing or revising regulatory frameworks (laws, policies, measures) that protect artistic freedom and the status of artists and cultural professionals.
Eligible Applicants:
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National ministries (Culture, Finance, Labour, Tourism, Communication, Social Affairs).
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National arts councils and specialized committees on arts and creative industries.
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National parliaments and special thematic commissions.
Key Features:
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Multi-stakeholder national teams combining government bodies and civil society.
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Gender equality integration during project implementation.
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Financial support up to $30,000 USD for logistics (meetings, consultations, capacity-building activities, communication).
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Support can be administered via UNESCO Field Offices or directly to applicants.
Track 2 – Financial Assistance for Civil Society Organizations
Purpose: Fund innovative projects by civil society organizations that advance artistic freedom at local, national, regional, or international levels. Activities can include:
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Capacity building and skills development.
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Advocacy and awareness campaigns.
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Monitoring, research, and evaluation activities.
Eligible Applicants:
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NGOs promoting artistic freedom.
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Associations, foundations, networks, or unions of artists and cultural professionals.
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Academic institutions and research centers.
Requirements:
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At least two years of legal existence with proof of registration.
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Implementation of at least one cultural/creative project in the past two years (2020-2021) with activity reports and financial statements.
Eligibility Criteria
Track 1 (Governments & Public Institutions)
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Must be a UNESCO Member State.
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Priority to developing countries, countries not yet supported by the programme, and regions aligned with UNESCO strategic priorities:
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Africa
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Gender equality initiatives
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Small Island Developing States (SIDS)
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Youth-focused programmes
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Inter-sectoral collaboration
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Track 2 (Civil Society Organizations)
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Must be a registered not-for-profit organization in a UNESCO Member State.
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Legal existence of at least two years.
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Proven experience implementing cultural/creative projects.
How to Apply / How It Works
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Determine Your Track: Choose Track 1 (government/public institution) or Track 2 (civil society organization).
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Prepare Proposal: Include objectives, project activities, expected outcomes, multi-stakeholder collaboration (Track 1), or innovative approach (Track 2).
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Provide Supporting Documentation:
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Legal registration proof.
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Activity reports and financial statements (for civil society organizations).
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Preliminary budget and planned activities (for governments/public institutions).
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Submit Application: Follow UNESCO submission guidelines and templates provided in the call.
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Evaluation: UNESCO assesses proposals based on alignment with artistic freedom objectives, innovation, impact, and multi-stakeholder collaboration.
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Funding/Assistance: Approved projects receive either technical assistance (Track 1) or financial support (Track 2) to implement initiatives.
Common Mistakes and Tips
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Neglecting multi-stakeholder collaboration in Track 1 applications.
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Failing to demonstrate gender equality promotion in project planning.
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Insufficient proof of past project implementation for civil society organizations.
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Incomplete budget or activity planning.
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Ignoring alignment with UNESCO’s strategic priorities.
FAQ
1. Who can apply?
Governments/public institutions (Track 1) or civil society organizations (Track 2) from UNESCO Member States.
2. What types of projects are supported?
Projects that promote artistic freedom, protect the status of artists, and encourage participation in cultural life.
3. What is the funding limit?
Up to $30,000 USD for Track 1 logistics support; Track 2 funding varies based on project scope and innovation.
4. Are international collaborations allowed?
Yes, particularly for civil society organizations implementing regional or international initiatives.
5. How long must civil society organizations have been active?
At least two years, with proof of legal registration and past project implementation.
6. Is gender equality considered in the evaluation?
Yes, promoting gender equality is a priority in Track 1 applications.
7. Can academic institutions apply?
Yes, registered academic and research institutions are eligible under Track 2.
Conclusion
The UNESCO-Aschberg Programme provides critical support to protect artistic freedom and strengthen the status of artists worldwide. By funding technical assistance for governments and innovative projects by civil society, the programme fosters multi-stakeholder collaboration, gender equality, and sustainable impact in the cultural and creative sectors.
For more information, visit UNESCO.