RFAs: ‘Culture and Creativity for the Western Balkans’ Programme

The CC4WBs project by UNESCO, the British Council, and AICS invites proposals to strengthen the cultural and creative sectors in the Western Balkans. Grants of up to EUR 10,000 support regional collaboration in heritage management, sustainable development, and community-based safeguarding of cultural heritage. Projects must foster inclusivity, gender equality, youth participation, and cross-border cooperation.

Program Overview

The Culture and Creativity for the Western Balkans (CC4WBs) initiative aims to enhance skills, knowledge, and access to financial aid for cultural and creative actors. The program supports co-production, regional collaboration, and sustainable circulation of goods and services, boosting competitiveness across the Western Balkans.

Focus Areas and Priorities

Eligible projects should focus on:

• Heritage Interpretative Planning: Developing strategies to enhance visitor understanding and engagement at cultural sites.

• Sustainable Cultural Heritage Management: Integrating sustainability perspectives into heritage conservation and management practices.

• Community-Based Safeguarding of Intangible Heritage: Engaging local communities in the preservation and transmission of cultural traditions.

• Visitor and Information Centres: Enhancing the role of centres in promoting heritage education and community engagement.

• Regional Cooperation: Facilitating partnerships between organizations across different Western Balkans IPA Beneficiaries.

Projects are expected to uphold core principles:

• Gender equality and youth participation

• Inclusivity of disadvantaged and vulnerable groups

• “Do no harm” approach to minimize social, economic, and environmental risks

• Equitable geographical distribution across the Western Balkans

Funding Details

• Total budget: EUR 90,000

• Maximum per project: EUR 10,000

• Project duration: 1 to 3 months

• Peer-to-peer exchange visits: Minimum of 3 full days

• Funding allocation is subject to the contracting authority’s discretion

Who is Eligible?

Eligible applicants include:

• Public institutions: museums, galleries, universities, cultural and heritage institutes, tourism offices, local governments

• Civil society organizations: foundations and legally established non-profits in the Western Balkans
  Applicants must be able to participate in thematic areas focused on:

• Enhancing local cultural spaces through improved solutions and public-private partnerships

• Protecting and leveraging cultural heritage for sustainable development

How to Apply

1. Identify a thematic focus aligning with the call priorities.

2. Form partnerships with organizations in different Western Balkans IPA Beneficiaries.

3. Prepare a proposal including project objectives, timeline, activities, and expected outcomes.

4. Include a budget detailing planned expenses and any co-financing.

5. Submit the application according to the guidelines within the open call period.

Key Considerations

• Prioritize regional collaboration and peer-to-peer exchange

• Ensure projects are inclusive, gender-sensitive, and youth-friendly

• Design activities to have tangible outcomes in heritage preservation or community engagement

• Comply with the “do no harm” principle to mitigate risks

FAQ

1. What is the maximum grant amount? EUR 10,000 per project.
2. Who can apply? Public institutions and civil society organizations legally established in the Western Balkans.
3. How long can a project last? Between 1 and 3 months.
4. Are partnerships required? Yes, projects must involve organizations from different Western Balkans IPA Beneficiaries.
5. What are peer-to-peer exchange requirements? Visits must last at least 3 full days to promote knowledge sharing.
6. Can funds be used for core operational costs? No, funding is intended for project-specific activities.
7. Are thematic priorities flexible? Projects must align with heritage management, community engagement, and sustainable development objectives.

Conclusion

The CC4WBs Open Call is a strategic opportunity for organizations in the Western Balkans to enhance cultural and creative sector capacity. By fostering regional collaboration, supporting heritage management, and promoting sustainable development, projects can contribute to long-term cultural, social, and economic benefits across the region.