Apply for Culture Helps Solidarity Collaboration Grants

Deadline: 10-Nov-2026

Culture Helps Solidarity is accepting applications for the second and final round of Collaboration Grants, supporting international arts and culture projects that help displaced Ukrainians integrate into host communities through cross-border partnerships. Funded through Creative Europe, the initiative supports Ukrainian arts and cultural professionals in sustaining creativity, resilience, and community connections during and after the war. The Collaboration Grants are designed to promote long-term care, cooperation, intercultural dialogue, and professional exchange rather than providing only short-term or one-off interventions.

About Culture Helps Solidarity

Culture Helps Solidarity is a Creative Europe-funded initiative created to support Ukrainian arts and cultural professionals affected by the war. The programme provides several types of opportunities, including: - Collaboration grants - Project-based support - Individual care grants Together, these opportunities aim to strengthen resilience and create long-term pathways for care and cooperation within the Ukrainian cultural sector. Second and Final Collaboration Grants Round The current call represents the second and final round of Collaboration Grants. It focuses on international arts and culture projects that use creative practices to support the integration of displaced Ukrainians into host communities. Projects are expected to go beyond short-term activities by creating opportunities for: - Intercultural dialogue - Professional exchange - Community connection - Mental well-being - Long-term cooperation - Solidarity between Ukrainian and international cultural organisations At least 15 international projects will receive funding in this round. Funding Available The grant amount depends on the number of organisations involved in the partnership.

- Two-organisation partnership: Up to €20,000

- Three or more partners: Up to €30,000

The funding is intended to support international collaborative projects that align with the programme’s objectives and contribute to the integration and well-being of displaced Ukrainians. Who Can Apply?

Eligible applicants include:

- Ukrainian-led organisations operating in Ukraine - Ukrainian-led organisations operating in exile - Organisations based in Creative Europe countries The programme requires cross-border collaboration.

Partnerships must include at least

- One Ukrainian-led organisation, either operating in Ukraine or in exile - One organisation based in a Creative Europe country This partnership structure is central to the programme and is intended to encourage cooperation between Ukrainian cultural professionals and organisations across Europe. What Projects Are Supported? The Collaboration Grants support international projects that use arts and culture as tools for integration and community connection. Projects should contribute to the integration of displaced Ukrainians into host communities while creating opportunities for cultural exchange and professional collaboration. Potential activities can draw from a wide range of artistic and cultural disciplines, including: - Theatre - Literature - Music - Dance - Photography - Crafts - Community art Projects can combine different disciplines where appropriate to their objectives. Focus on Displaced Ukrainians A central objective of the Collaboration Grants is supporting displaced Ukrainians as they build connections within host communities. Projects can create opportunities for displaced people to participate in cultural activities, interact with local communities, develop professional relationships, and maintain connections to Ukrainian cultural life. The programme particularly encourages initiatives that address the needs of vulnerable groups. Mental Well-Being and Vulnerable Groups Mental well-being is an important focus of the current funding round. Projects are encouraged to consider the needs of people experiencing vulnerability or displacement and use arts and culture to support connection, participation, resilience, and well-being.

Particular attention is given to projects supporting

- Veterans - Internally displaced people - Refugees - Children - Young people - Women - LGBTQ+ veterans - Cultural workers Applicants should demonstrate how their proposed activities respond to the needs of their intended participants. Support for Veterans The programme specifically highlights veterans among the groups that can benefit from supported cultural activities. Arts and cultural projects can provide opportunities for veterans to participate in creative activities, connect with communities, engage in intercultural dialogue, and develop supportive professional or social networks. Projects addressing the needs of veterans should clearly explain the relevance of their proposed artistic or cultural approach. Supporting Children and Young People Children and young people affected by displacement can also be included among project participants. Cultural activities can provide opportunities for creative expression, social interaction, intercultural exchange, and stronger community connections. Applicants should ensure that activities are appropriate to the needs and circumstances of their intended participants. Supporting Women and LGBTQ+ Veterans The programme encourages projects that respond to the experiences of diverse groups, including women and LGBTQ+ veterans. Applicants can consider how their projects can create inclusive cultural environments and provide opportunities for participation, connection, and well-being. Support for Cultural Workers Culture Helps Solidarity also recognises the needs of cultural professionals affected by the war and displacement. Projects can support cultural workers through professional exchange, artistic collaboration, networking, and opportunities to continue creative practice. This approach contributes to longer-term resilience within the Ukrainian arts and cultural sector. Importance of Cross-B