Open Call for Co-BRANDING and Coordinated Marketing of Cultural and Creative Sector

UNESCO, the British Council, and the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation (AICS) are inviting applications for the Culture and Creativity for the Western Balkans (CC4WBs) grant. The program supports co-branding and coordinated marketing initiatives in the cultural and creative sectors, aiming to enhance skills, financial access, and regional collaboration. Funding is available up to €10,000 per project for initiatives lasting 1–5 months, ending no later than September 30, 2026.

Program Overview

The CC4WBs initiative seeks to strengthen the cultural and creative sectors in the Western Balkans by promoting skills development, knowledge exchange, financial sustainability, and cross-border collaboration. The Open Call focuses on co-branding and coordinated marketing projects that combine the strengths of multiple organizations to increase visibility, competitiveness, and regional market impact.

Key Objectives

Enhance regional collaboration among cultural and creative organizations.
Support joint branding and marketing strategies to increase reach and visibility.
Strengthen skills, knowledge, and access to financial aid within the creative sector.
Promote cross-cutting priorities such as gender equality, youth participation, inclusivity, and a “do no harm” approach.
Encourage equitable geographical participation across Western Balkans IPA Beneficiaries.

Eligible Activities

Co-branding Initiatives: Launch joint products or services leveraging the combined identity and strengths of partnering organizations.
Coordinated Marketing: Develop shared communication campaigns to expand audience reach, increase impact, and promote regional collaboration.
Participation in local or international events within the Western Balkans or Europe.
Creation of digital or physical design solutions to facilitate co-branding or coordinated marketing.

Eligible Sectors

Applicants must operate within one of the following sub-sectors:

Cinematography – Film production, distribution, or joint media projects.
Gaming and Video Content Creation – Digital content, game development, or interactive storytelling.
Fashion Industry and Crafts – Design, production, and marketing of fashion or artisanal goods.
Cultural Heritage and Tourism – Projects linking cultural sites, heritage promotion, and tourism-related initiatives.

Who is Eligible?

Lead Applicants must partner with at least one organization from a different Western Balkans IPA Beneficiary.
Partnerships across multiple countries are encouraged to strengthen regional collaboration.
Organizations must integrate priorities such as gender equality, youth participation, and inclusivity.

Funding and Duration

Maximum funding per project: €10,000.
Budgets must clearly indicate allocations between Lead Applicants and Partners.
Project duration: 1–5 months, ending no later than 30 September 2026.

How to Apply

Identify a Lead Applicant and at least one Partner from a different Western Balkans IPA Beneficiary.
Develop a joint proposal focused on co-branding or coordinated marketing in one of the eligible sectors.
Demonstrate cross-cutting priorities: gender equality, youth participation, inclusivity, and risk mitigation.
Prepare a detailed budget in EUR with clear allocations for all partners.
Submit the application according to the guidelines provided by UNESCO, British Council, and AICS.

Expected Outcomes

Stronger regional cooperation among cultural and creative organizations.
Increased visibility, competitiveness, and market impact for co-branded products and services.
Enhanced skills and knowledge within participating organizations.
Greater participation of youth, women, and disadvantaged groups in cultural and creative projects.

Tips for Success

Prioritize meaningful partnerships with organizations from different Western Balkans countries.
Integrate clear marketing and branding strategies with measurable outcomes.
Address inclusivity and gender equality in all project activities.
Align activities with the sector-specific priorities outlined in the call.
Ensure timely project planning to meet the September 30, 2026 deadline.

FAQ

1. Who can apply? Lead Applicants with at least one Partner from a different Western Balkans IPA Beneficiary.
2. What sectors are eligible? Cinematography, Gaming and Video Content Creation, Fashion and Crafts, Cultural Heritage and Tourism.
3. How much funding is available? Up to €10,000 per project.
4. What is the project duration? 1–5 months, ending no later than September 30, 2026.
5. Are cross-cutting priorities required? Yes, including gender equality, youth participation, inclusivity, and a “do no harm” approach.
6. Can projects involve international events? Yes, within the Western Balkans or Europe.
7. How should budgets be prepared? In EUR, with clear allocations for Lead Applicants and Partners.

Conclusion

The CC4WBs Open Call offers cultural and creative organizations in the Western Balkans a unique opportunity to collaborate regionally, co-brand products, and implement coordinated marketing strategies. Through this initiative, participants can enhance skills, increase visibility, and strengthen the competitiveness of their sectors while promoting inclusion and sustainability.