The Nordic Culture Fund invites artists, cultural organisations, and creative networks to apply for its Project Funding programme — a bespoke funding stream designed to spur innovative collaborations across the Nordic region. This opportunity supports cross-border artistic and cultural projects that strengthen Nordic cooperation, nurture creative development, and build sustainable networks across Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, Sweden, Faroe Islands, Greenland, and Åland.
Deadline: 13 February 2026 (23:59 CET)
🎨 What Is Project Funding?
The Project Funding programme contributes to the Nordic Culture Fund’s core mission: stimulating vibrant and collaborative cultural life throughout the Nordic countries. Rather than focusing on individual activities, this funding emphasises joint efforts, shared development, and Nordic relevance.
Supported projects typically involve:
• Artistic creation or cultural development with partners from multiple Nordic countries
• Innovative approaches that enhance creative practice or artistic discourse
• Activities that build or extend Nordic cultural networks and cooperation
Projects may build on earlier collaborations — but must demonstrate clear innovation or development beyond what has been done before.
💰 Funding Details
Maximum Grant: DKK 500,000
Co-financing: Minimum 50% of total project costs must come from sources other than the Nordic Culture Fund
Most awarded grants tend to be below DKK 300,000
Projects may run for up to three years (the grant year plus two subsequent calendar years)
Applicants must prepare a balanced budget, ideally using the Fund’s own template and denominated in Danish kroner (DKK)
Note: At least half of your project’s total budget must be financed from other sources (e.g., partner contributions, external grants, own funds).
🧑🎨 Who Can Apply?
Eligible applicants include:
• Artists and creative practitioners
• Cultural organisations (public or private)
• Associations and collaborative initiatives
• Partners from both within and outside the Nordic region (as long as the Nordic collaborative dimension is clear)
A central requirement is that projects involve actors from at least two Nordic countries working jointly on significant artistic or cultural content.
❌ What Is Not Funded
The programme does not support:
• Projects lacking a clear artistic or cultural focus
• Individual scholarships or study visits
• Event participation alone (unless part of a major collaborative project)
• Pure operational costs or basic organisational financing
• Purchase of equipment or construction
• Publishing and digital/print production that is primarily commercial or distribution-oriented
📈 Assessment Criteria
Applications are evaluated on:
• Artistic/cultural quality: ambition, creativity, and implementation plan
• Nordic collaboration: depth and relevance of transnational cooperation
• Project economy: realistic, balanced budget reflecting the collaborative objectives
Successful proposals clearly articulate what Nordic cooperation means within the project — how it enriches artistic practice and contributes to cultural exchange in the region.
🗓️ Important Dates
Application Deadline: 13 February 2026 at 23:59 CET
(There is typically another call later in the year — early September — for a second application round.)
📌 Why This Matters for Nordic Arts & Culture
This funding stream offers a rare chance to:
• Build long-lasting Nordic cultural partnerships
• Expand artistic horizons beyond national borders
• Develop programmes, festivals, exhibitions, and creative networks with regional impact
• Strengthen the Nordic identity through shared cultural creation and innovation
Whether you’re planning a collaborative performance series, an intercultural media project, or a networked arts initiative, the Nordic Culture Fund’s Project Funding could provide the support to make it reality.
Read more on FundsforNGOs.com
