As May begins, our curated list of open calls aims to offer new chances to develop projects, gain funding, and connect internationally. This month’s selection includes grants for cultural heritage initiatives, peer-learning exchanges for rural regeneration, media innovation incubators, photography research grants, and support for international design showcases. Whether you're an artist, journalist, designer, or cultural leader, these opportunities can help you amplify your impact in the creative sector.
1. Creative FLIP | Call for Hosts: Ambassadors of Good Practice in Non-Urban Areas
Sector: Cultural and Creative Sectors, Community Development
Deadline: May 18, 2025, 23:59 CET
Creative FLIP’s Ambassadors of Good Practice Programme supports peer-learning exchanges focused on revitalizing non-urban communities through arts and culture. The program invites Cultural and Creative Sectors and Industries (CCSI) organizations and local/regional authorities to showcase and share their successful regeneration practices.
Support provided:
- Financial support up to €1,000 (net) for each Host Organisation
- Visibility and promotion through Creative FLIP’s platform
- Networking and exchange opportunities with international peers
Who can apply:
- Public, private, for-profit, or non-profit organizations active in the Cultural and Creative Sectors and Industries (CCSI)
- Local and regional authorities
- Organizations must be based outside urban areas in one of the 40 Creative Europe countries
More details here
2. ECHOES | Cascading Grants Programme
Sector: Cultural Heritage, Digital Engagement, Data Science
Deadline: May 15, 2025, 23:59 CEST
The
ECHOES Cascading Grants Programme funds up to 50 projects led by Cultural Heritage Institutions (CHIs) to promote digital engagement, data sharing, and collaboration within the Cultural Heritage Cloud. Through three thematic calls, the programme enhances the sector’s use of digital infrastructure and supports strategic collaborations.
Support provided:
- Up to €60,000 per selected project
- Access to Cultural Heritage Cloud tools and infrastructure
Who can apply:
- Cultural Heritage Institutions (CHIs) based in eligible Horizon Europe countries
- Applications are encouraged from interdisciplinary consortia, including researchers, SMEs, and civil society organizations
- Special focus on smaller and medium-sized CHIs
3. International Press Institute | New Media Incubator
Sector: Media, Journalism, Innovation
Deadline: June 6, 2025, 23:59 CEST
The
International Press Institute’s (IPI) New Media Incubator is an eight-month program supporting early-stage European media organizations. Combining funding, personalized mentorship, training, and networking opportunities, the Incubator helps startups and new ventures strengthen their news products, audience engagement strategies, and business models.
Support provided:
- Grant of up to €15,000 to implement a news project
- Tailored needs assessments and advisory services
- Intensive training, group coaching, and one-on-one mentoring
- 4-day bootcamp and participation at the 2025 IPI World Congress in Vienna
- Access to an online learning and networking platform
Who can apply:
- Early-stage media organizations based in eligible European countries
- Startups up to three years old or ventures preparing to launch a minimum viable product (MVP) within six months
4. Eidolon Centre for Everyday Photography | 2025 Grant
Sector: Photography, Visual Arts, Research
Deadline: August 31, 2025
The
Eidolon Centre for Everyday Photography invites artists, researchers, and enthusiasts to apply for the Eidolon Grant 2025, supporting projects that explore vernacular and everyday photographic practices. The grant focuses on both historical photographic traditions and contemporary image culture shaped by digital and social media.
Support provided:
- Total grant fund of €25,000 distributed across two categories:
- Contemporary Everyday Photographic Cultures
- Everyday Photographs of the Past
- Funding can be used for fees, travel, production, and partnership costs
Who can apply:
- Artists, academics, cultural workers, and photography enthusiasts with projects related to everyday photography
- Applicants from eligible European countries
5. British Council | Biennales and Festivals Design Grants 2025–26
Sector: Design & Fashion, Architecture
Deadline: June 1, 2025, 23:59 BST
The
British Council’s Biennales and Festivals Grants programme supports the international showcasing of UK designers and the UK-based presentation of international design work. Grants of up to £10,000 help fund exhibitions, installations, travel, production, and public engagement activities.
Support provided:
- Grants of up to £10,000
- Funding for travel, production, exhibition, installation, and engagement activities
- Support for projects between September 2025 and August 2026
Who can apply:
- Biennale and festival organizers showcasing UK designers internationally or international designers in UK-based events
- Design practitioners may apply directly with confirmation from the partnering festival
- Projects must focus on architecture, design, fashion, or craft
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Main Image:
Roger Erdvig on Unsplash edited by Creatives Unite
