Collaboration Grants fund transnational, cross-sectoral activities by independent cultural and artistic organisations working together or with organisations from other sectors.

Collaboration Grants are awarded to cultural organisations working together across different countries of wider Europe (the 47 countries of the Council of Europe plus Kosovo) and/or with Arab-Mediterranean countries on multidisciplinary artistic projects. Partner applicants can work in sectors outside the cultural field.

ECF regards the ideal ‘collaboration’ as one that brings a renewed understanding of Europe to people of all backgrounds, and inspires them to regard the world’s future as a shared enterprise. The average award funded is €15,000 with the maximum being €30,000.

We have funded a vast array of projects, bringing unexpected narratives, new ideas and inspired visions to diverse audiences across Europe. In 2010, we received 444 applications and awarded 31 grants of an average amount of €15,000.

Download the full list of Collaboration Grants awarded in 2009, 2010 and the first half of 2011.

Where we fund

The lead applicant/cultural organisation must be based in one of the following European countries: Albania, Andorra, Armenia, Austria, Azerbaijan, Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Belarus, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Georgia, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Kosovo, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Macedonia, Malta, Moldova, Monaco, Montenegro, The Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Russian Federation, San Marino, Serbia, Slovak Republic, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey, Ukraine and the United Kingdom.

Partnering applicants can be based in one of the above-mentioned European countries and/or in one of the following Arab-Mediterranean countries: Algeria, Egypt, Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, Libya, Morocco, Palestinian Territories, Syria and Tunisia. (We encourage cooperation with this region, as long as the content of the project clearly relates to European cross-border cooperation.)

Supported by Collaboration Grants

Breaking into the Museum is a project that not only gets youth into museums but also leads to new curatorial perspectives and interpretations. 

Produced by Manifesta (UK) with partners in France and Portugal, the project has young people from a diversity of backgrounds ‘breaking into the museum’ and through the making of their own video connecting with the ‘official’ history and heritage as represented by a particular collection.

It has received much acclaim for its fresh approach and even fresher results. See an article on the project by the BBC here.

How to apply, application form and deadlines

You can apply online. This has several benefits: it makes sure your application is complete, the budget is balanced and you will receive an instant confirmation that we have received your proposal. Applications are reviewed with advisers and the entire process takes up to a maximum two months.

For more on how to apply, to access the ‘how to apply’ PDF booklet and the application form, click here.

The Collaboration Grant scheme will only have one round in 2012.

The application round for Collaboration Grants 2012 will be open from 09.30 (CET) 20 February to 17.00 (CET) 2 May 2012.