CALL FOR PROJECT PROPOSALS: ADVOCACY GRANTS (REPUBLIC OF NORTH MACEDONIA)

Culture for Development News

The Culture for Development is announcing a Call for Advocacy Grants Scheme to empower independent cultural organizations in the Republic of North Macedonia to address urgent challenges and advocate for long-term, systemic improvements in the cultural sector. The purpose of this call is to support initiatives that strengthen dialogue with decision-makers, mobilize communities, and foster cross-sector collaboration, thereby improving operational conditions and financial sustainability of the independent cultural scene. By funding projects that focus on securing access to functional and long-term spaces, advocating for stronger public support and predictable funding, and promoting resource-sharing and sector-wide collaboration, the scheme aims to ensure that independent cultural organizations continue to play a vital role in fostering cultural diversity, democratic values, and social cohesion.

About the Culture for Development Project

The Culture for Development project is the first comprehensive, long-term intervention in the field of culture and arts in the Republic of North Macedonia. It supported by the Government of Switzerland and implemented by Heartefact Fund from the end of 2024 to the end of 2028. The project aims to contribute to the growth of the arts and the shaping of socio-political norms, recognizing culture as a vital tool for fostering a more open, democratic, and interconnected society.

Who CAN apply?

● The Advocacy Grants Scheme is open to consortia of at least two organizations.
● Each consortium must be led by a cultural or artistic organization that:
– Has been continuously active in the cultural field for at least three (3) years;
– Demonstrates solid organizational capacity.
● Eligible consortium partners may include:
– Civil society organizations;
– Research institutes and think tanks;
– Other legal entities active in arts and culture, including independent foundations, endowments, limited liability companies, and registered entrepreneurs.
● At least one consortium partner must have proven advocacy experience, ensuring the project has strong expertise in influencing policy and mobilizing stakeholders.

The applicants must be registered as a legal entity with the Central Registry of the Republic of North Macedonia.

Supported Areas

This call supports projects that carry out meaningful advocacy, raise awareness of critical issues, and engage with decision-makers, public cultural institutions, and other stakeholders.

Projects should foster collaboration among consortium members with diverse experiences, geographic reach, and target groups, strengthening the legitimacy and impact of advocacy initiatives.

Each consortium may combine activities to promote the independent cultural scene in North Macedonia. Applications should include a brief advocacy plan outlining key steps and methods and plan at least one public advocacy event to share findings and outcomes with stakeholders and the wider community.

Grant Amount

The total grant amount per organization is up to 3,992,000 MKD, which will be distributed over two years and seven months.

How to Apply?

More information about the call, application process, and required application forms can be found on our website HERE. Application documents are available only in English!

Application Deadline

All required documents must be submitted via [email protected] no later than 17 November 2025 at 11:59 PM.

For any questions, you can contact us at: [email protected].

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The grants for cultural and artistic projects are awarded for the development and implementation of socially relevant contemporary art projects that contribute to the enrichment of culture and promote diversity in artistic practices and expressions, address critical social issues, and encourage community development.

Young Artists and Activists from Serbia Visited Festivals in Pristina and Prizren as Part of Heartefact’s Visiting Program

As part of Heartefact’s Kosovo–Serbia Visiting Program, we organized a visit in early August to festivals in Pristina and Prizren for a group of young artists and activists from Serbia. During the visit, the participants had the opportunity to attend three major cultural events in Kosovo – the 24th edition of the DokuFest International Documentary Film Festival in Prizren, the 6th edition of the Sunny Hill music festival in Pristina, and the 5th edition of the Autostrada Biennale, an international contemporary art festival.

OPEN CALL: GRANTS FOR THE IMPLEMENTATION OF ON-THE-JOB TRAINING AND CAPACITY BUILDING (REPUBLIC OF NORTH MACEDONIA)

Public presentation of the play Doughnuts held as part of the New Voices workshop

On Sunday, July 6, a public presentation of the play Doughnuts (Buhtle) was held at Heartefact House, marking the conclusion of the four-day Playground for New Voices workshop. The workshop took place within the European project Fabulamundi: New Voices, which Heartefact implements with partners from nine European countries. It was led by director and playwright Patrik Lazić, in collaboration with emerging playwright Jelena Krdžavac, the acting ensemble, and translator Olja Petronić.

Exploring and developing contemporary drama through process: Doughnuts by Jelena Krdžavac in the spotlight of the Playground workshop

As part of the Fabulamundi project, implemented by Heartefact in collaboration with partners from nine European countries, the Playground workshop is taking place in Belgrade from July 3 to 6. Led by director and playwright Patrik Lazić, the workshop brings together a cast of actors and emerging playwright Jelena Krdžavac to explore and further develop her play Doughnuts (Buhtle), which was shortlisted in last year’s Heartefact Competition for Best Contemporary Socially Engaged Drama.

Culture for Democracy: Supported Projects within the Call for Cultural and Artistic Project Implementation in Serbia

An exceptional response—totaling 273 applications—reflects the critical position of the cultural sector in Serbia in the context of the current political and social climate. Based on the Commission’s evaluation, 22 projects have been selected for support, with a total budget of 21,500,000.00 RSD. Although this amount exceeds the originally planned budget for this call, we believe that, amid the ongoing crisis and with public calls for cultural funding either canceled or indefinitely postponed, such support is more necessary than ever.

Artistic Residency and Public Presentation of Gaelle Axelbrun’s Play Held as Part of the Playground Project

From June 22 to 28, 2025, an artistic residency of French playwright Gaelle Axelbrun took place at Heartefact House in Belgrade, as part of the European project Playground. During this intensive seven-day working period, Gaelle, together with director Tara Manić, translator Olja Petronić, and the acting ensemble—Nevena Kočović, Jana Bjelica, and Andrej Nježić—explored the dramaturgical and performative potential of her play Far from the Mud in Which We Sink into Sleep.

Residency of French Author Gaelle Axelbrun in Belgrade as Part of the Playground Project

From June 22 to 28, 2025, the Heartefact House in Belgrade will host a residency for French playwright Gaelle Axelbrun as part of the European project Playground. This intensive seven-day residency, organized by Heartefact, is part of an international collaboration focused on the development of contemporary dramatic texts by emerging European authors.