Short Description The CC4WBs Open Call supports small grants to boost cultural mobility, creative exchange, and intercultural dialogue in the Western Balkans and between the Western Balkans and the European Union. This call funds two types of projects: Artistic Residency Grants – Up to €5,000 for residencies in the Western Balkans region or Europe. Cultural Participation Grants – Up to €3,750 for participating in cultural tourism fairs, industry gatherings, training, expos, or other events that promote Western Balkan culture and heritage. Projects must contribute to intercultural dialogue and creative collaboration in the cultural and creative sectors of the Western Balkans. Emphasis is placed on innovative approaches that foster cooperation, cultural exchange, and sustainable professional development   Total Funding Available: €250,000 (organizers reserve the right not to disburse all funds).   purpose: Stimulate peer-to-peer exchange, cooperative multicultural content creation, and regional partnerships. Equip participants with multimedia skills and market access to both Western Balkan and EU cultural markets. Enhance participation in events that boost cultural tourism, arts, media, and youth development.   Application Period: Applications are reviewed monthly; submissions received by the end of the previous month are evaluated during the first week of the following month.   Submission Method: Fill out the appropriate Application Form (choose between LOT 1 for one grant type and LOT 2 for the other). Email the completed form along with a copy of your valid personal ID to cc4wbs.tirana@aics.gov.it using the subject line “Your Name Application for LOT 1” or “Your Name Application for LOT 2.” Supporting documentation must not exceed 35 MB.   How to Apply: Complete the Application Form: Available via the provided links (Application Form 1 and Application Form 2). Email Submission: Send the completed form plus a copy of your valid ID to cc4wbs.tirana@aics.gov.it with the appropriate subject line. Supporting Documentation: Ensure attachments do not exceed 35 MB.   Selection Process: Step 1: An eliminatory check ensures the applicant is a resident of a designated Western Balkan country (validated by a copy of a valid ID). Step 2: Eligible applications are scored based on Relevance (3 points), Value and Impact (4 points), and Sustainability (3 points). A minimum total of 8 points is required for consideration. The evaluation committee awards between one and three grants each month, with additional applications placed on reserve if funding allows.   Eligibility: Residency Requirement: Applicants must be residents of one of the Western Balkan IPA Beneficiary countries (Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Albania, or Kosovo).   Evaluation Criteria: Relevance: How the proposal aligns with the overall objectives (max 3 points). Value and Impact: Benefits to the applicant’s professional development in the short, medium, and long term (max 4 points). Sustainability: Plans for knowledge transfer and long-term impact post-project (max 3 points). Applications must achieve a minimum score of 8 points to be considered. Award Frequency: Each month, 1 to 3 grants may be awarded; additional eligible applications are placed on a reserve list.   Program Benefits or Awards Grant Amounts: Up to €5,000 for Artistic Residency projects. Up to €3,750 for Cultural Participation projects (e.g., fairs, expos, training). Funds may cover travel, accommodation, participation fees, and other project-related costs. Enhanced networking and capacity-building opportunities to boost regional cultural cooperation.     Entry Fee: None   Location: Tirana, Albania   Application Deadline: December 31, 2025, with monthly evaluations.   Website link:  https://www.unesco.org/en/articles/culture-and-creativity-western-balkans-cc4wbs   Apply link: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1w3yms0-S0mEUGlEHme90l7wgrjbKtn1p