International Harmony Day promoting cultural diversity (Image: CC0 licence)

International Harmony Day promoting cultural diversity (Image: CC0 licence)


The call for applications to the UNESCO fund is open. Over USD 9 million has been invested since 2010 – will your project be eligible?

UNESCO has launched the 13th call for applications to the International Fund for Cultural Diversity (IFCD), a multi-donor fund established under the 2005 Convention for the Protection and Promotion of the Diversity of Cultural Expressions.

Aimed at supporting the emergence of dynamic cultural sectors in developing countries, the call is open to projects from eligible countries that are Parties to the 2005 Convention. Successful projects will be granted financial support of up to US$100,000.

In line with the aims and objectives of the IFCD, eligible projects must contribute to:

  • the implementation and/or elaboration of policies and strategies that have a direct, structural impact on the creation, production, distribution and access to a diversity of cultural goods and services;
  • strengthening the capacities of public institutions and civil society organisations to support viable local and regional cultural industries and markets in eligible countries that are Parties to the 2005 Convention.

Public institutions and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) from eligible countries are invited to submit their proposals, as well as international NGOs registered in countries that are Parties to the 2005 Convention. All projects should ultimately contribute to a sustainable creative ecosystem and be aligned with the 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda of the United Nations.

In light of the disruption caused by the COVID-19 pandemic in the cultural and creative sectors, and the dramatic impact on the livelihoods of artists and cultural professionals globally, this call reinforces UNESCO’s commitment to support the creative sector, to build back better and to ensure that artists and cultural professionals everywhere can keep on creating.

Since 2010, the IFCD has invested US$9.4 million through 129 projects in 65 countries in support of the creative economy and inclusive and sustainable economic growth in creative and cultural industries. These diverse initiatives have contributed to the development and implementation of cultural policies, the strengthening of professional training and cultural entrepreneurship, access to new markets, and participation and access to cultural life.

The call for applications will close on 15 June 2022, noon Paris time.

For any inquiries, please contact the 2005 Convention Secretariat: convention2005.ifcd@unesco.org.

Find out more and apply here: https://en.unesco.org/creativity/calls/2022-call-applications-unescos-international-fund-cultural