Creative alliances: Fostering global partnerships in cultural policies and CCI innovation

Overview

Funding for international partnerships that strengthen cultural policies, creative industries innovation, and cross-regional collaboration. Targets research organisations, creative industries, artists, tech communities, and cultural organisations from Europe and partner regions (Africa, Far East, South-East Asia, Latin America).

Who Can Apply

Consortia of legal entities, including at least three partners from one of the specified world regions (Africa, Far East, South-East Asia, Latin America). Eligible applicants include research organisations, policy think-tanks, creative industries, artist organisations, tech communities, and cultural organisations. Entities from eligible EU and associated countries, as well as the specified world regions, may participate.

Funding Details

Maximum grant amount: 6,000,000 EUR. Funding is provided as a lump sum.

What Is Funded

Two interconnected focus areas: 1. Cultural and creative industries’ innovation beyond borders: Pilot projects demonstrating cross-regional cooperation in creative industries, addressing regional challenges and opportunities. Emphasis on digital and green transitions, ethical AI, and cultural heritage. 2. International cultural relations for global resilience: Pilot projects testing innovative forms of cultural relations, such as intercultural dialogue, collaborative artistic projects, and partnerships that promote societal resilience, inclusion, and diversity.

Proposals must select one focus area but may explore synergies with the other. Projects should address unequal access to global markets and intersectional aspects (e.g., gender).

Technology / Maturity Requirements

Technology Readiness Level (TRL): 4 to 6.

Key Dates

• Open date: 2026-05-11
• Deadline: 2026-09-22

Application Process (High-Level)

Single-stage application process. Proposals must be submitted via the Funding & Tenders Portal. A detailed budget table and a 50-page Part B application (for Research and Innovation Actions) are required.

Geographic Scope & Language

Eligible countries: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Norway, Iceland, United Kingdom, Switzerland. Application language: English.

Notes

• Proposals must involve creative and cultural sector industries (CCSI) representatives from the outset.
• Projects should explore synergies with other EU programmes supporting international cultural and creative partnerships.
• Legal entities from specified world regions are exceptionally eligible for EU funding under this call.
• The granting authority may object to transfers of ownership or exclusive licensing of results for up to four years post-project.