This April, our selection of open calls brings together opportunities that focus on collaboration, sustainability, and cross-border exchange. The list includes programmes for designers, curators, journalists, cultural organisations, and rural innovators, with support ranging from residencies and training to co-creation funding and awards. Take a closer look at the calls below and keep an eye on the deadlines, as several are coming up soon.
1. Europa Nostra | Inclusive European Heritage Residency 2026
Sector: Cultural Heritage, Capacity Building, Sustainability
Deadline: May 15, 2026
Europa Nostra, in partnership with the International National Trusts Organisation (INTO), invites applications for the Inclusive European Heritage Residency 2026, taking place in Malta from 13 to 19 September.
The residency focuses on strengthening the capacity and sustainability of small and medium-sized heritage organisations. Through case studies, peer exchange, and site visits, participants will explore strategies for governance, financial resilience, volunteer engagement, and the effective management of cultural and natural heritage sites.
Who can apply:
- Professionals and leaders of small or medium-sized heritage organisations
- Cultural and environmental heritage practitioners
- Applicants interested in strengthening organisational capacity and sustainability
- Individuals in decision-making or strategic roles within their organisations
Read more here.
2. FABER | Design Signals Open Call 2026
Sector: Design, Research, Social & Environmental Innovation
Deadline: April 24, 2026
FABER invites designers to apply for Design Signals 2026, a research-driven programme exploring how design can engage with and reshape the agri-food industry.
Bringing together designers, researchers, and cultural practitioners, the programme focuses on developing experimental approaches that address the ecological, technological, and social complexities of food systems. Participants will work on research-based projects that investigate industry practices and propose alternative futures through design.
Support provided:
- Budget covering designer fee, production, and travel costs
- Five-month development period
- Collaboration with FABER’s research and curatorial team
- Opportunity to prototype and present new work
Who can apply:
- Emerging and established designers, individually or as collectives
- Practitioners across fields such as industrial, graphic, social, bio, and multimedia design, architecture, and coding
- Applicants proposing research-driven, experimental projects within the agri-food sector
Read more here.
3. THREADs Project | Re-Imagine Resources Open Call
Sector: Design, Fashion, Crafts, Sustainable Innovation
Deadline: April 13, 2026 (23:59 CET)
The THREADs Project invites designers and craftspeople to participate in the Re-Imagine Resources programme, exploring circular design approaches across textiles and related disciplines.
The initiative brings together participants from Northern Europe to experiment with sustainable materials, extend product lifecycles, and develop innovative solutions to reduce waste and overproduction through cross-border collaboration and knowledge exchange.
Support provided:
- €1,000 for participation in Phase 1
- Additional €2,500 for participants selected for Phase 2
- Travel and accommodation covered for mobility activities in Sweden
- Access to workshops, masterclasses, and collaborative learning
Who can apply:
- Designers and craftspeople based in Sweden, Finland, Norway, Iceland, or Ireland
- Professionals working across fashion, textiles, product design, architecture, digital technology, and related fields
Read more here.
4. Rural Activators Pilot Academy | Open Call for Rural Innovators
Sector: Social Innovation, Rural Development, Architecture, Community Engagement
Deadline: April 10, 2026
The Rural Activators Pilot Academy invites applications from individuals and collectives in Spain, Portugal, and Italy to join a training programme focused on revitalising rural spaces and communities through creative and socially engaged practices.
Support provided:
- Online training programme and access to learning materials
- National and international networking opportunities
- Two in-person meetups and an international workshop in Italy
- Collaboration opportunities with peers and local stakeholders
Who can apply:
- Individuals, small teams, or collectives based in Spain, Portugal, or Italy
- Applicants developing projects focused on rural regeneration and community engagement
Read more here.
5. Lottozero | Textile Art Factory Curatorial Residency Open Call
Sector: Visual Arts, Design & Fashion, Textile Arts, Curatorial Practice
Deadline: May 15, 2026 (23:59 CEST)
Lottozero invites applications for the Textile Art Factory programme, selecting one emerging curator for a six-month residency in Prato, Italy. Developed in collaboration with the Prato Textile Museum and Studio Corte 17, the programme explores the intersection of contemporary art and textile heritage.
Support provided:
- Six-month residency in Prato (October 2026 – April 2027)
- Access to Lottozero’s textile lab and the Museo del Tessuto archives
- Workshops on textile techniques and curatorial practices
- Mentoring and visits to studios and textile companies
- Opportunity to curate a group exhibition and contribute to a publication
Read more here.
6. ZMINA Resilience | Co-creation Funding Open Call
Sector: Arts & Culture, International Cooperation, Social Impact
Deadline: May 10, 2026
The IZOLYATSIA Foundation, together with Malý Berlín and Trans Europe Halles, invites applications for the ZMINA Resilience co-creation funding programme supporting international cultural collaborations.
The call focuses on fostering partnerships between Ukrainian artists and organisations and their peers across Creative Europe countries. Projects should explore the theme of resilience and result in collaborative works presented in each partner’s local context.
Support provided:
- Up to €25,000 per project (covering up to 90% of costs)
- Total available funding: €187,500
- Support for 7–10 projects
- Funding for project development, collaboration, and public presentations
Who can apply:
- Cultural organisations based in Creative Europe countries
- Partnerships including at least one Ukrainian organisation
Read more here.
7. IJ4EU | Impact Award 2026
Sector: Journalism, Media, Investigative Reporting
Deadline: April 23, 2026 (23:59 CET)
The European Centre for Press and Media Freedom invites nominations for the IJ4EU Impact Award 2026, recognising outstanding cross-border investigative journalism that has made a significant impact across Europe.
The award celebrates investigations that address issues of common European interest and demonstrate the value of collaborative reporting. Winning projects will be presented at the IJ4EU UNCOVERED Conference, a key annual gathering for the investigative journalism community.
Support provided:
- €5,000 awarded to each of three selected investigations
Read more here.
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Main image: Daniel McCullough on Unsplash, edited by CU
