Regional Call for Socially Engaged Artistic Projects 2025

The “Art for Reconciliation – Open Call for Socially Engaged Projects” has been launched for civil society organizations working in arts and culture in the Western Balkans. This initiative invites projects that use participatory and socially engaged artistic practices to promote regional reconciliation, peacebuilding, intercultural dialogue, and interethnic cooperation. The call is part of the Financial Support to Third Parties (FSTP) programme, led by the Local Democracy Agency Subotica in collaboration with the Novi Sad – European Capital of Culture Foundation. It is co-funded by the European Union through the IPA III Civil Society Facility and Media Programme. The main objective is to foster reconciliation and intercultural dialogue in the Western Balkan region through artistic production. Projects should encourage collaboration and creativity among communities, generations, and cultures by transforming audiences into active participants. Civil society organizations are encouraged to create inclusive spaces for critical reflection and expression through the arts. Projects should also aim to create new shared narratives, enhance community participation, and support cross-border mobility. Initiatives should promote public visibility of civil society actors and encourage cooperation between divided communities using cultural tools and creative engagement. Applicants must address at least two of several thematic priorities. These include legislation and peace agreements, media literacy, education’s role in reconciliation, women’s contribution to peacebuilding, and reinterpretation of shared heritage and everyday peacebuilding. Themes like reclaiming joy, the use of public spaces, and reimagining local rituals are also central to the initiative. The total available funding is €300,000. Each project can apply for a grant between €10,000 and €25,000. Eligible applicants must be non-profit civil society organizations or networks with experience in artistic production. They must be based in Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, North Macedonia, or Serbia, and must have been legally established by December 2022. If applying as a network, at least two member organizations must meet the same requirement.