Deadline for applications: June 27, 2025
Organizer: Hosted by Sekhmet Institute from VAHA Network
Who is it for: For arts and cultural organisations in Council of Europe Member States and Kosovo
What is this about?
VAHA invites arts and cultural organisations based in Council of Europe Member States and Kosovo to apply for its third Transnational Networking Meeting, taking place from 10–14 September 2025 in Prishtina. Selected participants will connect with local VAHA hubs to explore new ideas for transnational exchange and cultural collaboration.
What to Expect
VAHA III continues its mission to support independent cultural spaces advocating for public dialogue in challenging environments. The Prishtina meeting will bring together 16 organisations, 8 from Turkey and 8 from other Council of Europe countries and Kosovo, for networking, peer learning, and the co-creation of future cross-border activities.
Participants will engage in collaborative discussions with existing VAHA hubs, with the chance to develop partnerships eligible for follow-up transnational exchange grants (€8,000) or mobility and learning grants (€2,000). They will also be invited to future public events in Turkey and Germany, and gain access to wider European cultural networks. The selected organisations are encouraged to develop transnational exchanges within VAHA through reciprocal study visits or joint activities with the 8 hubs in the programme.
Who Can Apply
Independent arts and cultural organisations or venues based in any of the 46 Council of Europe member states or Kosovo, who are actively engaged in public cultural and artistic programming. Applicants should be motivated to build transnational alliances and connect with like-minded partners across Europe and Turkey.
What’s Offered
- Participation in a 5-day networking meeting in Prishtina
- Access to VAHA hubs for future collaboration
Possibility to receive:
- €8,000 Transnational Exchange Grant for joint programming
- €2,000 Learning and Mobility Grant for travel or residencies
- Access to international networks (including Bosch Alumni Network and Stiftung Mercator Alumni)
- Opportunity to co-host public events in Turkey and Germany
About VAHA programme
VAHA (meaning “oasis” in Turkish) is a program created with and for the empowered voices of independent arts and culture spaces. It advocates for public discussion and dialogue in cities across Turkey and wider European region. By bringing together the diversity of hybrid spaces and contextual responses to the current crises of democracy in the region, VAHA explores the power of learning from local practices to develop tailored support for platforms of free expression and cultural programming.
For more information on the event and to apply, please visit VAHA's official website
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Image: Jaime Lopes on Unsplash
