UNESCO International Fund for Cultural Diversity-Call for applications 2025

Venue

Place de Fontenoy – UNESCO, Quartier de l’École Militaire, 7th Arrondissement, Париж, Paris, Metropolitan France, 75007, France

Deadline

May 21, 2025

The UNESCO Convention on the Protection and Promotion of the Diversity of Cultural Expressions (2005) is a key international instrument that empowers nations to develop and implement policies that nurture vibrant and diverse cultural sectors. 🎨📖🎶

On March 19, 2025, the International Fund for Cultural Diversity (IFCD) will launch its 16th call for funding requests. The IFCD plays a vital role in international cooperation by supporting creative and cultural industries in developing countries that are Parties to the 2005 Convention.

Since its inception in 2010, the IFCD has made a significant impact, contributing $12.6 million to 164 projects in 76 countries. These projects have strengthened cultural institutions, promoted artistic freedom, and fostered innovation within the creative economy. 💡🌱

🔍 Key Details

✅ Project Duration: 12-24 months

✅ Project Launch: April 2026 (upon approval in February 2026)

✅ Maximum Funding: $100,000

✅ Language: Applications must be in English or French

✅ Deadline: May 21, 2025 (12:00 PM Paris time) ⏳

💰 Funding Breakdown:

50% at project start
30% at mid-project
20% at project completion

Who Can Apply?

Public authorities & institutions from eligible countries 🌏
NGOs from eligible countries 🤝
International NGOs (INGOs) working across multiple eligible countries 🌐

Successful applicants will be selected based on innovation, feasibility, sustainability, and measurable impact on cultural diversity.

🎭 Eligible Sectors

IFCD funds projects that lead to long-term cultural development, including:

🎬 Audio-visual & cinema – Supporting film production, distribution, and access to diverse cinematic works.

🎨 Design – Encouraging creativity in fashion, industrial design, and cultural crafts.

📰 Media arts – Promoting digital storytelling, animation, and immersive media experiences.

🎵 Music – Strengthening music production, live performances, and access to diverse musical genres.

🎭 Performing arts – Supporting theatre, dance, and performance-based projects.

📚 Publishing – Enhancing the production and distribution of books, magazines, and literary works.

🖼️ Visual arts – Promoting contemporary and traditional artistic expressions through exhibitions and galleries.

🌍 Eligible Countries

The 2025 IFCD call is open to 119 developing countries, all of which have ratified the 2005 UNESCO Convention on Cultural Diversity. These countries are eligible to receive funding to implement creative projects aimed at fostering cultural innovation and economic sustainability.

Here is the complete list of eligible countries for 2025:

✅ Projects That Can Apply

Eligible projects must be submitted by:
1️⃣ Government bodies & public institutions 🏛️
2️⃣ Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) 🌍 that aim to:

Empower civil society by enhancing policy participation, communication, & networking 🗣️🤝
Support policy-making through research, monitoring, & evaluation 📊📑
Boost education & training in creative industries 🎨🎭📚
Improve financial access & market opportunities for cultural goods & services 💰🌎
Advance digital cultural industries in line with international guidelines 💻🎶
Encourage cultural participation, especially for marginalized groups (minorities, Indigenous communities) 🎭🌏
Promote gender equality in arts & culture ⚖️♀️♂️
Develop strategic planning tools, like data systems & policy mappings 📍📈
Strengthen public cultural institutions & enhance expertise in the sector 🏢🎓
Support fair global cultural exchanges through international cooperation 🌐🎭

❌ Projects That Do NOT Qualify

Solely focused on creating cultural or artistic works & events 🎨🚫
Related to intangible cultural heritage (apply to the Safeguarding Fund instead) 🏛️❌
Connected to tangible cultural heritage like historic sites (check the World Heritage Fund) 🏰🚫
Intended for paying off debts or covering financial losses 💸❌
Meant to finance workspaces or equipment permanently 🏢🔧
Designed as scholarships or personal grants 🎓🚫
Focused on construction or restoration of buildings 🏗️❌
Centered on primary or secondary school education 🏫🚫
Aimed at sustaining ongoing expenses 💼❌
Focused mainly on cultural tourism ✈️🎭

📝 How to Apply?

1️⃣ Review the “Call for Funding” guidelines 📖

2️⃣ Register an account on the IFCD platform 🔐

3️⃣ Download & complete the “Project Framework” 📑

4️⃣ Submit your application before May 21, 2025 ✅

🌟 Selection Process: Applications will be reviewed by an independent panel of experts, ensuring transparency and fairness. Projects demonstrating originality, social impact, and sustainability will be given priority.

📧 For more information:

📧 ✉️ convention2005.ifcd@unesco.org
🌐 www.unesco.org/creativity

🌟 Don’t miss this incredible opportunity to support cultural diversity and creativity worldwide! 🌍🎭💡

Place de Fontenoy – UNESCO, Quartier de l’École Militaire, 7th Arrondissement, Париж, Paris, Metropolitan France, 75007, France

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