This May, our selection of open calls highlights opportunities centred on collaboration, experimentation, and socially engaged practices. The list brings together programmes for musicians, journalists, designers, cultural organisations, and researchers, with support ranging from residencies and fellowships to awards, mentoring, and international co-creation projects. Together, these calls reflect a strong focus on sustainability, audience engagement, and interdisciplinary approaches across Europe and beyond.
1. Académie des beaux-arts European | Art Explora Award
Sector: Arts & Culture, Audience Engagement, Cultural Innovation
Deadline: June 26, 2026
The Art Explora and the Académie des beaux-arts invite applications for the European Award, supporting innovative cultural projects that expand audience engagement across Europe.
The award responds to ongoing shifts in the cultural sector, encouraging organisations to rethink how they connect with audiences and address social, economic, and geographic barriers to participation. Projects can be new or existing initiatives with a strong innovative dimension, designed to be shared and replicated across contexts.
Support provided:
- Total fund of €180,000 distributed across five awards
- €30,000, €40,000, or €50,000 depending on organisation size
- Additional Special Jury Award (€30,000)
- Audience Choice Award (€30,000)
- Visibility through publication and networking events
Who can apply:
- Non-profit cultural organisations based in Europe and eligible partner countries
- Organisations submitting one project proposal (new or adapted existing project)
- Applicants developing innovative approaches to audience engagement and participation
- Projects with a budget where the award covers up to 80% of total costs
Read more here.
2. Design Academy SIZE | co-hosted by Zalando and VORN
Sector: Fashion Design, Digital Innovation, Sustainable Fashion
Deadline: May 20, 2026
Zalando and
VORN – The Berlin Fashion Hub launch the fifth edition of the Design Academy, titled SIZE, focusing on size inclusivity, fit, and digital innovation in fashion design.
The programme supports designers in exploring how technology can transform fashion practices, combining creative development with digital tools such as CLO for virtual prototyping. Participants will engage in a hybrid learning experience, culminating in a design sprint and presentation during Berlin Fashion Week.
Support provided:
- €2,000 scholarship for selected participants
- Additional budget for production, materials, and travel
- Access to CLO software and digital training
- Workshops, mentoring, and technical coaching
- Showcase at an exhibition during Berlin Fashion Week
Who can apply:
- Freelance fashion designers and designers from emerging or established brands
- Europe-based designers (excluding accessory brands)
3. GCJT & iMEdD | European Journalists' Retreat
Sector: Journalism, Media, Ethics, Professional Development
Deadline: May 11, 2026 (18:00 GMT)
The Global Center for Journalism and Trauma, in partnership with
iMEdD, invites applications for a four-day European Journalists' Retreat focused on trauma, resilience, and ethical reporting. The programme will take place in Vamvakou, Laconia, Greece, bringing together media professionals working on high-impact stories across Europe.
Support provided:
- Round-trip travel to Greece and transfers to Vamvakou
- Five nights of accommodation
- Meals during the retreat
Who can apply:
- Journalists, editors, photographers, and multimedia professionals based in Europe
- Applicants with at least five years of professional experience
- Professionals covering topics such as conflict, migration, climate, or disinformation
- Staff journalists and freelancers
- Applicants fluent in English and interested in peer learning and ethical reflection
4. OASis Project | One Caucasus Music Academy
Sector: Music, Performing Arts, International Collaboration
Deadline: May 20, 2026
The
One Caucasus Music Academy, part of the OASis Project, invites musicians to take part in a 9-day residency in Georgia focused on intercultural collaboration and inter-genre music creation.
Taking place in Mestia and Tserakvi, the programme brings together international artists, local musicians, and traditional ensembles to co-create new work in a dynamic and collaborative environment.
Support provided:
- Artist fee of €1,300 gross
- Travel support up to €315
- Free accommodation and meals during the residency
- Full production support
- Collaboration with Georgian musicians and ensembles
- Participation in two final live performances
5. Eco-Soundscapes | International Artist Selection
Sector: Music, Sound Art, Environmental Art, Sustainability
Deadline: May 31, 2026
The
ECHOES invites emerging and mid-career artists to take part in Eco-Soundscapes, an international co-creation programme exploring soundscape ecology and environmental listening.
Selected artists will collaboratively develop and produce an album, engaging with themes of sustainability, acoustic environments, and ecological awareness. The project combines artistic research, music production, and international collaboration, culminating in a touring programme in 2027.
Support provided:
- €1,000 participation fee per artist
- Travel and recording expenses fully covered
- Co-production and international distribution of the final album
- Participation in an international tour in 2027
6. Jan van Eyck Academie | Food Lab Fellowship 2027
Sector: Art & Research, Food Studies, Design, Ecology
Deadline: June 4, 2026
The
Jan van Eyck Academie invites applications for its Food Lab Fellowship 2027, supporting artistic practices that critically engage with global food systems and the cultural, social, and ecological dimensions of food. The fellowship offers a year-long residency in Maastricht, bringing together artists, designers, and researchers to explore food-related practices through interdisciplinary exchange.
Support provided:
- Monthly stipend of €1,750
- Working budget of €2,250 and more.
Who can apply:
- Individual artists or designers working on food-related research
- Applicants with an established artistic practice
- Practitioners proposing new or ongoing projects to develop during the residency
- Candidates able to reside in Maastricht during the fellowship period
7. New European Bauhaus | NEB Mentors Open Call 2026
Sector: Design, Innovation, Sustainability, Entrepreneurship
Deadline: May 11, 2026 (17:00 CET)
The
EIT Community New European Bauhaus invites experienced professionals to join its pool of NEB Mentors for the 2026–2028 period, supporting projects that integrate sustainability, inclusion, and aesthetics.
Who can apply:
- Professionals, entrepreneurs, or investors with 10+ years of experience
- Experts in areas such as sustainability, circular economy, social inclusion, or place-based innovation
- Applicants fluent in English and able to work within the EU or Horizon Europe-associated countries
- Candidates available to mentor at least one project per year
Image: Iain on Unsplash edited by CU
