Collab 4 HySust CCI, an innovation incubation project supported by the European Union, invites creative and cultural organizations across Europe to join a remarkable journey of development, innovation, and collaboration. Our mission is to promote the sustainable growth of Europe’s cultural and creative sectors, empowering local communities and driving transformative change in the industry.
The Collab 4 HySust CCI project launches an open call to support 15 European cultural and creative organizations eager to innovate.
We are seeking ideas that make culture more accessible and find new ways to connect creators and managers from the cultural and creative fields with their audiences. We want to support initiatives that help the cultural and creative sectors become more sustainable through the use of technology and digital advancements, while also bringing about positive social change.
Submissions are welcome from projects at the initial idea stage, as well as from projects that have already made significant progress and are in the implementation or prototype phase. Additionally, projects that have already demonstrated positive impact and are seeking support to expand their reach are also eligible for consideration. Whether you have a promising idea or a project that has already gained recognition, we invite you to submit and take advantage of the program’s resources and opportunities.
Apply to one of the two themes of the call and be selected for gradual support and funding! Only one project proposal is eligible per organization.
Theme 1: Audience and Hybrid Approaches
Do you have an innovative idea to engage your audience and explore hybrid approaches in contemporary arts, performances, cultural heritage, or entertainment? We want to hear from you! Collab 4 HySust CCI seeks outstanding initiatives to promote audience participation, improve audience management, encourage inclusivity in co-creation processes, and foster cross-sector collaboration.
Theme 2: Sustainability in Collaborative Processes
Are you passionate about promoting sustainable partnerships between culture and other sectors? Are you willing to explore collaboration processes addressing environmental concerns, gender equality, and inclusive practices? Collab 4 HySust CCI seeks initiatives aimed at creating sustainable change and driving innovation within the value chain of artistic and cultural offerings.
Eligible Topics
We encourage a wide range of organizations to submit their proposals. This includes cultural institutions, non-profit organizations, startups, social enterprises, academic institutions, community-based organizations, and any other entities working at the intersection of culture, science, and technology. We firmly believe that collaborations between individuals and organizations with diverse perspectives and resources have the potential to create impactful and pioneering projects in the field of social change.
There is no cost to submit proposals.
Benefits
Selected initiatives will receive:
- Guidance from experienced professionals who will mentor and support the design, experimentation, and implementation of your innovative practices.
- A comprehensive training program tailored to enhance administrative, organizational, and design skills within your organization.
- A grant of €3,000 to fuel the development and execution of your project.
- Opportunities for visibility and presentation at hybrid events.
- Collaboration opportunities with a regional network across Southeast Europe and the EU.
Phases of the open call
Phase 1: Proposal Submission
Submit your proposal by September 30, 2023, at 5 p.m. CET. We encourage eligible cultural and creative organizations, especially those from Italy, Bulgaria, Serbia, Greece, and Denmark, or cross-border initiatives involving partners from these countries, to apply. Choose one of the two innovation themes and carefully review the terms of the open call on our official website. There you will also find the application form.
Phase 2: Collaboration and Mentoring
After the evaluation process, selected initiatives will have the opportunity to collaborate with a specialized mentor/expert from our pool of 15 selected professionals. This phase aims to promote collaboration, allowing you to connect, cooperate, and receive mentoring/support.
Obligations
Project implementation must begin within three months of receiving the award. The implementation period extends over 16 months.
Candidates will be invited to participate in the preparatory session of the Transnational Event, which will take place in Plovdiv, Bulgaria, and online, on September 1.
Organizations receiving the grant are required to attend 4 knowledge exchange sessions, two of which will be held in a hybrid format.
Funded organizations commit fully to actively participate in the Collab 4 HySust CCI Incubation Program. Participation in the training program and mentoring sessions is mandatory.
You are expected to contribute your own experiences and learn from others, benefiting from a safe and trustworthy environment.
Selection Criteria
Clarity: The project proposal should have a measurable impact on one of the two innovation themes.
Sustainability: The market and innovation potential should be clearly explained for both Theme 1 “Audience” and Theme 2 “Sustainability.”
Feasibility: The project must clearly demonstrate knowledge and technical feasibility (resources, skills, and infrastructure), and applicants should consider the capacity to integrate the demonstrative/pilot experience into the local scene.
Timeline
July 1, 2023: Call for proposals opens.
September 30, 2023, 5 p.m. CET: Submission deadline.
October 2023: Evaluation process concludes.
December 2023: Incubation activities begin.
Project duration: 16 months
Visit our website for more information and to submit your proposal:
COLLAB 4 HY SUST CCIs Website
https://deuscci.eu/collab-4-hysust/call-collab-4-hysust/
FILL OUT THE FORM TO SUBMIT AN APPLICATION
