Organizer Information
The Foundation “European Capital of Culture – Skopje 2028” is responsible for developing and delivering the cultural programme of Skopje – European Capital of Culture 2028. Through this open call, the Foundation invites a broad range of cultural and creative actors to contribute projects to the official programme. The initiative seeks to use culture as a driver of artistic development, citizen participation, international cooperation and the long-term cultural development of Skopje and North Macedonia.
Title & Description
Become Part of the Official Programme of Skopje – European Capital of Culture 2028
This open call seeks ambitious, innovative and collaborative cultural projects to become part of the official programme of Skopje – European Capital of Culture 2028. Proposed projects should demonstrate artistic excellence, create meaningful engagement with communities and audiences, and contribute to the European dimension and international visibility of Skopje.
Projects should address at least one of five programme strands: Art4Hope, Togetherness, rECOvering, CreARTing, or Heritage. The call supports projects ranging from smaller local and participatory initiatives to major cultural projects with strategic importance for the 2028 programme.
Applicants can request funding under three categories: Small Scale (€3,000–€9,999), Mid Scale (€10,000–€24,999), and Large Scale (€25,000–€150,000).
Categories
- Visual Art
- Performing Arts
- Film & Video
- Photography
- Literature
- Design
- Heritage
- Community & Participatory Arts
- Cultural Projects
- Creative Industries
- Interdisciplinary Art
- and other cultural and creative disciplines.
Eligibility
The call is open to artists, cultural organisations, public institutions, universities, creative professionals, civil society organisations, cultural operators, creative industries, community organisations and international partners.
Projects may involve local, national and international collaboration. Proposals should demonstrate relevance to Skopje and/or North Macedonia while contributing to broader European cultural cooperation and exchange.
There is no specific age restriction stated in the provided call text.
Program Benefits & Awards
Selected projects will receive funding according to their chosen category:
- Small Scale Projects: €3,000–€9,999
- Mid Scale Projects: €10,000–€24,999
- Large Scale Projects: €25,000–€150,000
The programme offers selected applicants the opportunity to become part of the official Skopje 2028 cultural programme, providing a platform for artistic and cultural projects within a major European cultural initiative.
The call particularly values artistic excellence, international cooperation, citizen participation, inclusion, sustainability, audience development, innovation, cultural identity and long-term legacy.
Large-scale projects follow a two-stage process, allowing shortlisted applicants to further develop and strengthen their proposals before final evaluation.
Application Fee
None
How to Apply?
Online Application
Key Dates
- Small & Mid Scale Projects
- Submission deadline: 60 calendar days after publication
- Evaluation: 30 calendar days
- Large Scale Projects
- Stage 1 – Concept Note
- Submission deadline: 45 calendar days after publication
- Evaluation: 30 calendar days
- Stage 2 – Full Application
- Submission deadline: 45 calendar days after invitation. Final funding decision: within 30 calendar days after submission
- Stage 1 – Concept Note
Based on the publication date of 19 August 2026, the initial deadlines fall approximately in October 2026, with the exact calendar date determined by the call's calculation of calendar days.
Location
Skopje, North Macedonia
Additional Details
Projects should contribute to one or more of the five programme strands:
- Art4Hope
- Togetherness
- rECOvering
- CreARTing
- Heritage
The Foundation is looking for proposals that combine artistic quality with meaningful cultural impact. Particular emphasis is placed on the European Dimension, international cultural cooperation, citizen and community engagement, inclusion, sustainability, audience development, innovation and the long-term cultural legacy of the programme.
All applications undergo an independent evaluation process comprising administrative verification, eligibility assessment, independent expert evaluation and budget assessment.
Large Scale applicants should note that submission of a Concept Note does not constitute final selection. Only shortlisted proposals will proceed to the Full Application stage.