Short Description
The Lighthouse Calls are part of the TIDAL ArtS initiative, funded by the EU to support the Mission to Restore Our Ocean and Waters by 2030. Through this open call, 20 artists, collectives, and creatives across Europe will be awarded €15,000 grants to create community-focused artworks. The selected projects must connect citizens to their aquatic environments and raise awareness of environmental challenges through artistic expression. Five artists will be chosen from each of four designated “Lighthouse” regions—Atlantic-Arctic, Mediterranean, Baltic-North Sea, and Danube-Black Sea. Projects must be completed by June 2026 and involve collaboration with scientists, educators, and communities.
Eligibility
Who can apply?
Individual Artists
Collectives
Creatives of All Types
TIDAL ArtS is committed to principles of Gender, Equality, Disability, and Social Inclusion (GEDSI)
We welcome applications from women, ethnic and sexual minorities, and those differently abled.
Eligible Countries
Faroe Islands
France
Iceland
Ireland
Norway
Portugal
Spain
United Kingdom
Belgium
Denmark
Estonia
Finland
France
Germany
Latvia
Lithuania
Netherlands
Norway
Poland
Sweden
United Kingdom
Albania
Croatia
Cyprus
France
Greece
Italy
Kosovo
Malta
Montenegro
Slovenia
Spain
Türkiye
Austria
Bosnia and Herzegovina
Bulgaria
Croatia
Czechia
Georgia
Germany
Hungary
Romania
Serbia
Slovakia
Sloveniav
Ukraine
What should your project result in?
Each project should result in a publicly displayed creative artistic expression, driven by citizen engagement and scientific knowledge, in a European community selected by the artist. Innovative methods based in art and creativity should be utilised to unlock and strengthen the connection of the public with their aquatic environments. Artistic projects are expected to achieve at least one of the following results:
Connect citizens: Citizens feel better connected to the aquatic environments around them, seeing themselves as a part of them.
Foster understanding: Citizens have a greater understanding of the challenges and pressures facing the ocean and waters.
Enhance and define identities: Citizens identify with their local environment as well as the larger body of water to which they belong. The identity of each Lighthouse is defined and enhanced by the artist’s creation.
Create awareness: Citizens are aware of blue careers and how they can be engaged for their ocean and waters.
Which creative practices are allowed?
Artistic works and creative practices within the cultural and creative sectors as defined by the EU are eligible for funding. These activities include the development of artistic outputs within the visual, literary, performing, fine, and digital arts, as well as in music, design and architecture. The artistic medium is for the artist to define allowing for innovative, syncretic approaches. Projects can include one or more of the following activities:
Exhibitions, expositions, installations
Workshops
Visual, literary, performing, and/or digital arts
Architecture and design
Artistic debate
Public art displays
Art/ocean awareness-raising activities
Submission Requirements
1. Project Proposal
2. CV/Resume
3. Artistic Portfolio
How to Apply
Online Application
Program Benefits & Awards
A €15,000 grant to support the project
A project liaison for support throughout the project
Guidance via workshops with scientists, educators, and community leaders
Networking opportunities with fellow artists, researchers and TIDAL ArtS Alumni
Opportunity to expand your portfolio and gain international exposure on social media, in publications, via networking events, and across EU platforms
A toolkit to help with communications to further spotlight your artwork
Invitations to the final celebration and other Mission Ocean and Waters events
Entry Fee
None
Location
Berlin, Germany
Timeline
- Application Deadline: 14 June 2025
Website Link: https://tidalarts.eu/lighthouse-calls/
