Organizer Information
Ukrainian Cultural Foundation is a national public institution established to support and promote cultural development in Ukraine through funding, international cooperation, and strategic initiatives. It plays a key role in strengthening Ukraine’s cultural sector, particularly in times of crisis.
The program is co-implemented by Cultural Vistas, a global nonprofit organization specializing in international education, cultural exchange, and professional development programs. Cultural Vistas has extensive experience in building cross-border collaborations and fostering intercultural dialogue.
Cultural Horizons is funded under the Creative Europe Programme, the European Union’s flagship initiative supporting cultural and creative sectors. The program is administered through the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA), ensuring alignment with EU cultural policy objectives.
Title & Description
Cultural Horizons Mentorship & Cultural Initiatives Program 2026–2027
Cultural Horizons is a large-scale European initiative designed to strengthen the Ukrainian cultural sector and foster long-term collaboration between Ukraine and the European Union. Operating across 2026–2027, the program combines mentorship, funding opportunities, and capacity-building activities to support cultural professionals and artists affected by the ongoing war in Ukraine.
The program unfolds in multiple phases, beginning with outreach and engagement in 2026, followed by the establishment of a Europe-wide network of cultural mentors, and culminating in 2027 with subgrants for collaborative cultural projects, particularly within residency-based formats.
A central component of this call is the Mentorship Program, which invites experienced cultural professionals from across Europe and Ukraine to join a structured network supporting emerging and established Ukrainian cultural practitioners. Mentors will guide selected grantees through the development and implementation of artistic and cultural projects, offering expertise in areas such as project design, international collaboration, and cultural management.
Participants will undergo a tailored online training course focused on mentorship methodologies, intercultural communication, and knowledge exchange. Upon completion, they will actively contribute to strengthening EU–Ukraine cultural ties by supporting funded initiatives.
Thematically, Cultural Horizons prioritizes:
- Democratic and inclusive societies
- Cultural exchange and mutual understanding
- Preservation and accessibility of cultural heritage
- Social integration of displaced Ukrainian communities
This program ultimately aims to integrate Ukrainian cultural actors into the European cultural ecosystem, while building resilient, collaborative, and future-oriented cultural networks.
Categories
- Cultural Management
- Interdisciplinary Arts
- Visual Arts
- Performing Arts
- Cultural Policy & Research
- Socially Engaged Art
- Residency-based Projects
Eligibility
- Open to individual cultural professionals from the European Union and Ukraine
- Applicants must demonstrate proven experience in designing and implementing cultural or artistic projects
- Strong intercultural awareness and openness required
- Commitment to inclusivity, diversity, and gender balance principles
- Professional working proficiency in English is mandatory
- Suitable for curators, cultural managers, producers, and experienced artists
Program Benefits & Awards
- Participation in a Europe-wide professional network of cultural experts
- Access to a tailored online mentorship training program
- Opportunities to collaborate on EU–Ukraine cultural initiatives
- Hourly financial compensation for mentorship activities
- Involvement in grant-supported cultural projects (2027 phase)
- Long-term professional development and international exposure
Additionally, the broader program offers:
- Subgrants for cultural initiatives (particularly residencies)
- Capacity-building support for applicants
- Guidance on project development, formatting, and submission
Application Fee
None
Application Requirements
- Professional background demonstrating cultural project experience
- Evidence of expertise in cultural or artistic fields
- Motivation and interest in mentorship and intercultural collaboration
- Language proficiency in English
- Additional supporting materials may be requested during the process
How to Apply?
Online Application
Key Dates
- Application Period: 3 May 2026
- Notification of Results: Week of 11 May 2026
- Mentor Training Course: 1 June – 17 July 2026
- Final Mentor Selection: 20 – 31 July 2026
- Program Duration: 2026–2027
Location
Europe (EU Countries) & Ukraine
Additional Details
- The program places strong emphasis on peer-to-peer mentorship and knowledge exchange
- Selected mentors will support grant recipients during project implementation
- Participants will gain access to tools and methodologies for effective intercultural mentoring
- The initiative contributes to rebuilding and sustaining Ukraine’s cultural sector during and after wartime conditions
- Applicants are expected to engage actively throughout the program duration