Deadline: February 23, 2026
UNESCO has officially launched the Call for Projects: UNESCO-Aschberg Programme for Artists and Cultural Professionals 2026, under the theme “Fuelling Creative Futures”. This global initiative seeks to support projects that strengthen the professional status of artists, promote artistic freedom, and enhance cultural ecosystems worldwide.
The UNESCO-Aschberg Programme continues its long-standing mission to empower artists and cultural professionals by funding initiatives that address key challenges such as poor working conditions, limited social protection, restricted mobility, and threats to freedom of artistic expression.
About the UNESCO-Aschberg Programme for Artists and Cultural Professionals
The UNESCO-Aschberg Programme was established to reinforce the protection and promotion of artists’ rights globally. Through this 2026 call, UNESCO invites public institutions, national and local governments, and civil society organisations to submit innovative projects that contribute to building inclusive, sustainable, and rights-based cultural environments.
This year’s call focuses on strengthening frameworks that enable artists to work freely and safely, ensuring fair remuneration, and advancing gender equality and diversity in cultural and creative sectors.
Key Details
- Call Title: UNESCO-Aschberg Programme for Artists and Cultural Professionals 2026
- Theme: Fuelling Creative Futures
- Submission Deadline: 23 February 2026 (23:59 UTC+1)
- Eligible Applicants:
- National and local governments
- Public institutions
- Civil society organisations working in the arts and culture sectors
Programme Objectives
The 2026 UNESCO-Aschberg Programme for Artists and Cultural Professionals aims to:
- Strengthen cultural policies and legal frameworks protecting artists and artistic freedom.
- Promote fair remuneration, mobility, and gender equality within the creative sector.
- Support organisations and governments in developing inclusive and sustainable cultural ecosystems.
- Provide targeted support for artists and cultural professionals in emergency or crisis contexts.
Focus Tracks
Track 1 – Governments and Public Institutions
This track offers technical assistance to governments and public bodies seeking to design, revise, or implement cultural policies and legal measures that safeguard artistic freedom and improve the status of artists. Activities may include legislative reviews, policy formulation, stakeholder consultations, and institutional capacity-building.
Track 2 – Civil Society Organisations
This track provides financial support to civil society organisations implementing innovative initiatives at local, national, regional, or international levels. Eligible projects may involve:
- Capacity-building and training programmes
- Advocacy and awareness campaigns
- Research and monitoring on artists’ rights
- Emergency assistance for artists and cultural professionals in distress
- Artist residencies or exchange platforms
- Community-based cultural initiatives
Funding Information
Projects led by civil society organisations may receive financial support of up to USD 50,000. The funding may cover costs related to workshops, training sessions, advocacy activities, communication materials, research studies, or direct emergency interventions that ensure the protection and well-being of artists.
Eligibility Criteria for Civil Society Organisations
To qualify, organisations must:
- Be legally registered and have operated for a minimum of two years.
- Have completed at least one cultural or creative project within the past two years.
- Demonstrate sound organisational capacity, including financial transparency and reporting history.
- Align their project objectives with the overall goals of the UNESCO-Aschberg Programme.
Priority Areas
Proposals are encouraged to focus on one or more of the following themes:
- Fair working conditions and equitable remuneration for artists.
- Strengthening freedom of artistic expression and cultural mobility.
- Promoting gender equality, diversity, and inclusion in cultural industries.
- Emergency and crisis-response mechanisms for artists.
- Enhancing access to cultural infrastructure, markets, and networks.
- Advocacy, research, and monitoring related to the status of artists.
Application Process
To apply for the Call for Projects: UNESCO-Aschberg Programme for Artists and Cultural Professionals 2026, applicants must follow these steps:
- Download the official application form corresponding to your category (Government or Civil Society).
- Complete the form in English or French, ensuring clarity and adherence to all requirements.
- Attach all required documents, including proof of registration, project proposal, detailed budget, and previous project reports.
- Submit your completed application and supporting materials via email to: aschberg@unesco.org before 23 February 2026 (23:59 UTC+1).
Why This Call Matters
The UNESCO-Aschberg Programme for Artists and Cultural Professionals 2026 represents a vital opportunity for institutions and civil society to contribute to the advancement of artistic freedom and the protection of cultural workers globally. By supporting projects that foster fair, inclusive, and resilient creative environments, UNESCO continues to uphold its commitment to the 2005 Convention on the Protection and Promotion of the Diversity of Cultural Expressions.
Final Note
Interested organisations are encouraged to prepare strong, evidence-based proposals that clearly demonstrate impact, sustainability, and alignment with the programme’s objectives.
Contact us for proposal drafting, refining, and review to ensure your submission meets UNESCO’s standards and increases your chances of success.
