Call for applications: UNESCO fund for cultural diversity

The IFCD was launched by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) in 2010 as part of the adaptation of the 2005 Convention for the Protection and Promotion of the Diversity of Cultural Expressions. Its purpose is to foster the emergence of dynamic cultural sectors in developing countries through strengthening the means to create, produce, distribute and have access to diverse cultural goods and services.

Who can apply?

This opportunity is open to institutions from the eligible countries that are involved in the following creative sectors:

• Music
• Audiovisual/cinema
• Visual arts
• Design
• Media arts
• Performing arts
• Publishing

The deadline for applications is 13 June (GMT+1).

Project eligibility

Projects submitted by public authorities and institutions should:

• Develop tools that contribute to decision making and planning (mappings, sustainable statistical collection and processing systems, sectoral strategies, etc.)
• Create/strengthen public cultural agencies and institutions essential to the development of cultural industries, including developing the expertise of civil servants.
• Establish/strengthen financing and market development mechanisms for cultural goods and services.
• Implement international cooperation agreements and treaties aimed at a more balanced exchange of cultural goods and services.
• Create/strengthen the pedagogical and organisational capacities of educational, vocational and technical training institutes in the cultural industry sectors.
• Promote the development of cultural industries in the digital environment, in accordance with the guidelines to promote the diversity of cultural expressions in the digital environment.
• Strengthen participation in cultural life, including measures to promote access for vulnerable groups (including persons belonging to minorities and indigenous peoples) in the creation, production, distribution and access to diverse cultural expressions.
• Create and implement measures or policies to promote gender equality in the cultural and creative industries.

Projects submitted by NGOs should:

• Strengthen capacities of civil society focusing on policy participation, communication and/or networking.
• Contribute to inform policymaking, including monitoring and evaluation activities to determine the impact of cultural policies and measures to promote the cultural industries.
• Develop advocacy strategies and activities to raise awareness of the convention among civil society organisations including those outside the culture sector.
• Strengthen the pedagogical and organisational capacities of educational, vocational and technical training institutes in the cultural industry sectors.
• Create new financing opportunities and promote access to national and international markets for cultural goods and services.
• Promote the development of cultural industries in the digital environment, in accordance with the guidelines to promote the diversity of cultural expressions in the digital environment.
• Strengthen participation in cultural life, including measures to promote access for vulnerable groups (including persons belonging to minorities and indigenous peoples) in the creation, production, distribution and access to diverse cultural expressions.
• Support activities that promote gender equality in the cultural and creative industries.

Note that additional financial assistance, in either the form of self or co-funding, is highly advisable as a means to engage more partners in the process and to contribute to the smooth implementation and sustainability of the project.

Requirements and mandatory documents

• The application and its complementary documents must be in English or French.
• Projects must be implemented and/or benefit eligible countries.
• The maximum amount that can be requested is $100 000.
• The project implementation period shall be between 12 and 24 months.

Project evaluation criteria

The project selection process will be based on whether the project:

• Addresses the objectives, priorities and areas of intervention of the 2005 convention and the IFCD.
• Meets the needs and priorities of the country where the project will be implemented and is feasible and relevant.
• Contributes to achieving concrete, measurable, realistic and sustainable results.
• Has a potential structural impact leading to the emergence of a dynamic cultural sector.
• Promotes south-south and north-south-south cooperation.
• Ensures that the project’s impact/long-term benefits can be achieved and promotes the sustainability of the project.
• Satisfies the principle of financial accountability.

Disbursement of funds

Payment of funds shall be made in four instalments as follows:

• 50% of the total amount approved at the beginning of the project.
• 30% midway through the project and the remaining.
• 20% once all activities have been completed and the final reports are submitted.

Applicants should carefully read the full guidelines before submitting a project proposal. 

To apply, applicants should create an account here before accessing the online application forms here.

For more information, visit the UNESCO official website.