The Culture for Development project, supported by the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC), is a long-term initiative aimed at stimulating an independent and inclusive cultural sector in the Republic of North Macedonia. The project seeks to strengthen the role of culture in promoting democratic values, social cohesion, and inclusive social change. By encouraging artistic expression that fosters critical thinking and practice, the project aims to drive societal progress and reinforce cohesion through the transformative power of art and culture.

The Culture for Development project aims to make culture a shared space for everyone—a space where ideas are questioned, stories are told, and communities are connected. It understands culture in its broadest sense—not limited to galleries or events, but present in everyday life and open to all.

The project values contemporary artistic practices that challenge the way we see things, reflect on social and political realities, and invite us to think differently. Culture is not treated merely as entertainment, but as a force that can help build more open and democratic societies.

The Culture for Development project also includes not only civil society organizations, but also independent cultural actors, grassroots organizations, flexible collectives, activists, and individuals actively engaged in cultural and artistic work. These are the voices that bring fresh energy, creativity, and new perspectives to public life.

Finally, the project focuses on regions that are often overlooked, including smaller towns, marginalized communities, and areas where cultural infrastructure is limited or absent. By focusing on these regions, the project brings cultural activities closer to people who rarely have the opportunity to participate or be heard.