Grants to Support the Artistic Production of Young and Emerging Artists (Serbia)

Heartefact, through the Culture for Democracy (CfD) project, invites applications for the My First Time grant to support young and emerging artists in Serbia in creating and publicly presenting their first or early independent artistic works. The grant promotes social inclusion, democratic values, and intercultural dialogue by empowering early-career artists, particularly those working outside major urban centers.

Overview of the Call

As part of the Culture for Democracy (CfD) project, Heartefact has launched an open call aimed at encouraging and supporting the artistic production of young and/or emerging artists in Serbia.

The grant enables artists to develop and publicly present their first independent or early-stage artistic works, initiatives, or productions, helping them take a significant step in their professional artistic careers.

Arts and culture are used as tools to foster social inclusion, promote tolerance, strengthen democratic values, and advocate for the rights of marginalized and vulnerable groups.

About the Culture for Democracy (CfD) Project

The Culture for Democracy project positions arts and culture as drivers of positive social change.

Key CfD objectives include:

• Promoting democratic values and participation

• Strengthening intercultural dialogue

• Supporting social inclusion and tolerance

• Advocating for the rights of marginalized and vulnerable communities

• Expanding access to cultural production across Serbia

What Is the “My First Time” Grant?

The My First Time grant line was created to address the lack of funding opportunities for young, unestablished, and independent artists.

It specifically supports:

• First independent artistic works

• Early professional productions

• Initial artistic initiatives that mark a key developmental milestone

The grant does not support:

• Student assignments

• School-based programs

• Mandatory academic or curriculum-related projects

Grant Amount and Project Duration

• Maximum grant amount:

  • RSD 625,000

  • CHF 5,000 (gross amount)

• Maximum project duration: Up to 6 months

Funds may only be used during the approved project implementation period.

Artistic Disciplines Supported

Projects may be proposed across a wide range of artistic and cultural fields, including:

• Visual arts

• Performing arts

• Music

• Film and video

• Literature

• Multimedia and digital arts

• Design

• Photography

• Comics

• Interdisciplinary and experimental artistic practices

Eligible Activities

Supported activities include, but are not limited to:

• Production and public presentation of new works of art

• Experimental and interdisciplinary artistic projects

• Artistic research focused on socially relevant topics

• Local art initiatives implemented in smaller or underserved communities

All funded projects must include a public presentation that allows engagement with audiences and local communities.

Who Is Eligible?

Eligible Applicants

Applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Young and/or unestablished artists up to 35 years of age

• Artists who live and create in Serbia

• Informal art collectives or groups of young artists working jointly on a project

Preference is given to:

• Artists working outside major urban centers

• Artists engaged with local communities that have limited access to arts infrastructure

Who Is Not Eligible?

The following are not eligible to apply:

• Organizations and formal cultural institutions

• Registered associations and foundations

• Representations of foreign organizations registered in Serbia

• Individuals or organizations promoting:

  • Discrimination

  • Violence

  • Nationalism

  • Hate speech

• Applicants who breached contractual obligations under previous CfD grants

How to Apply

Applications must be submitted electronically via email.

Each application must include:

• Artistic explanation covering:

  • Concept and artistic vision

  • Feasibility of the project

  • Plan for public presentation

  • Contribution to CfD priorities

• Artist biography or collective profile

• Detailed project budget proposal

Incomplete applications may not be considered.

Application Review and Timeline

• Applications are reviewed periodically in:

  • March

  • June

  • September

  • December

• The call remains open on a rolling basis until allocated funds are exhausted

Early submission is recommended due to limited funding availability.

Why This Grant Matters

The My First Time grant plays a critical role in Serbia’s cultural ecosystem by:

• Supporting early-career artists at a decisive moment

• Expanding access to independent artistic production

• Encouraging artistic voices from smaller and underserved communities

• Strengthening culture as a space for democratic dialogue and inclusion

• Enabling public engagement with socially relevant artistic work

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Submitting projects that are academic or student-related

• Failing to include a clear public presentation plan

• Weak alignment with CfD values and priorities

• Unrealistic budgets or timelines

• Incomplete application documentation

Tips for a Strong Application

• Clearly explain why this project is a “first” or early-career milestone

• Show how your work connects to social inclusion or democratic values

• Emphasize community engagement and audience interaction

• Propose a feasible, well-structured implementation plan

• Present a clear and realistic budget

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What is the maximum funding available?

The maximum grant amount is RSD 625,000 or CHF 5,000 (gross).

2. Who can apply for the My First Time grant?

Young and/or unestablished artists up to 35 years old who live and work in Serbia, including informal collectives.

3. Are student projects eligible?

No. Student assignments, school programs, and mandatory academic projects are not eligible.

4. Is a public presentation required?

Yes. All supported projects must include a public presentation that engages audiences or communities.

5. Which artistic disciplines are supported?

A wide range of disciplines is supported, including visual arts, performing arts, music, film, literature, multimedia, and interdisciplinary practices.

6. How long can projects last?

Projects may last up to a maximum of six months.

7. When are applications reviewed?

Applications are reviewed in March, June, September, and December, and the call remains open until funds are exhausted.

Conclusion

The Heartefact My First Time grant under the Culture for Democracy project offers a vital opportunity for young and emerging artists in Serbia to launch their independent artistic careers. By supporting early-stage artistic production rooted in democratic values, social inclusion, and community engagement, the grant strengthens both the cultural sector and the broader democratic fabric of society.