UNESCO is inviting national authorities and civil society organisations to submit proposals aimed at strengthening the status of artists and promoting artistic freedom in line with the 2005 Convention on the Protection and Promotion of the Diversity of Cultural Expressions.
Objective of the call
This call supports initiatives that advance the rights of artists and cultural professionals, including the right to create without censorship, enjoy social and economic protections, participate in cultural life, and move freely for professional reasons. The call is part of UNESCO’s efforts to help governments and stakeholders align with international standards on artistic freedom and the rights of cultural workers.
Two types of support
Technical assistance for public institutions
Public institutions may apply to receive technical assistance from UNESCO for the design or revision of legal and policy frameworks. This assistance focuses on areas such as improving working conditions, enabling fair taxation and remuneration, facilitating mobility, addressing gender inequality and digital transitions, and implementing preferential treatment for artists from the Global South.
Although primarily technical in nature, this support may include up to USD 30,000 in financial support to cover logistics.
Eligible applicants include government departments (e.g. ministries of culture, labour, or finance), national arts councils, and public entities tasked with developing cultural policies.
2. Financial support for civil society projects
Non-profit civil society organisations can apply for financial support of up to USD 50,000 to implement initiatives that enhance the status of artists and protect their rights. These may include capacity-building programmes, legal or emergency support services, advocacy campaigns, research, or monitoring systems.
Eligible applicants must be legally established for at least two years and be able to demonstrate prior work in relevant sectors.
Priorities and eligibility
Priority will be given to applications from developing countries, especially those that address youth, gender equality, Africa, Small Island Developing States (SIDS), or projects that adopt an intersectoral approach by linking culture with areas such as education, climate action or human rights.
Applicants who have not previously received support under the Aschberg Programme are especially encouraged to apply.
Timeline
The call was launched on 18 December 2025. Information sessions and support activities for applicants will take place throughout January and into mid-February 2026. The application deadline is 23 February 2026. Selected projects will be announced by 15 April 2026. Projects must be implemented between September 2026 and December 2027.
How to apply
Applicants must complete the official application form and submit it along with all required supporting documents by email to aschberg@unesco.org. Applications may be submitted in either English or French.
Download the full guidelines attached below.
Your funding experts
InterArts Funding offers its expertise to assist you in applying for grant opportunities (including this one), leveraging our extensive experience to enhance your chances of securing the grant. It is important to clarify that InterArts Funding is an independent entity and is not affiliated with any specific funding organisation. While we have a commendable track record of success, we cannot guarantee the approval of your application. Grant outcomes depend on various factors beyond our control.