Open Call for Cultural Co-financing
1. Legal Nature & Governance
This Open Call is a GRANT-BASED cultural co-financing call and does NOT constitute a public procurement procedure. Projects are selected through an arm’s-length cultural evaluation process in accordance with European Capital of Culture standards.
The implementation of Skopje ECoC 2028 is managed by an independent Delivery Body established by the City of Skopje, ensuring independence from political influence, full transparency, and compliance with EU cultural governance standards.
2. Corrected Timeline
3. Thematic Pillars
- Art4Hope
- Togetherness
- rECOvering
- CreARTing
- Heritage
Each pillar supports European co-creation, citizen participation, innovation, sustainability, and cultural diversity.
4. Who Can Apply
- Individual artists and cultural professionals
- NGOs and cultural organisations
- Educational and research institutions
- International consortia
Note: Applicants may submit multiple proposals, but only one project per applicant may be funded.
5. European Dimension
Projects must demonstrate a clear European dimension through:
- European partners or networks
- Co-creation or co-production
- Mobility and exchange
- Engagement with European narratives and values
6. Funding & Evaluation
Funding Structure:
- 40% advance payment upon contract signature
- 40% interim payment after approved progress report
- 20% final payment after approval of final report
Evaluation Criteria (Total 20 Points):
- European cooperation quality – 6/20
- Artistic and cultural quality – 5/20
- Local relevance and citizen engagement – 4/20
- Feasibility – 3/20
- Sustainability and accessibility – 2/20
7. Project Duration & Accountability
Project duration may span months or years (2026–2028). Residency requirements apply only where relevant. Beneficiaries must submit narrative, financial, sustainability, and European cooperation reports.
All personal data is processed in compliance with GDPR and national legislation.
