Apply Now: Creative Connection Grant Call (Germany)

The Landeshauptstadt Stuttgart (state capital of Stuttgart) has launched a new call for proposals under its “Creative Connection” grant program to support projects that strengthen networking and visibility in the creative industries. Applications are accepted from 21 September to 30 October 2026. A total funding pool of €25,000 is available. The “Creative Connection” grant program is designed to strengthen networking and collaboration within the creative industries. The Economic Development Agency of the State Capital of Stuttgart supports projects and initiatives that connect Stuttgart’s creative sector, increase its visibility, and foster new collaborations and innovations. The call also highlights collaboration between companies and universities, particularly in relation to new technologies. Supported projects may include, for example: Financial support (as stated in the source):

Total budget: €25,000 for this call.

Eligible applicants include:

Location requirement:

Exclusion:

Key criterion (project-level):

Creative industries sub-sectors mentioned:

The call prioritizes projects that:

Examples explicitly mentioned in the source include networking events, workshops, innovation labs, collaborative projects, marketing activities for Stuttgart’s creative hub profile, and participation in conferences and trade shows. If you work in the creative industries and aim to build stronger connections, increase Stuttgart’s profile, or create new partnerships (including with universities), this grant call is structured to support those outcomes. The program is specifically oriented toward projects that translate creative-sector collaboration into measurable networking, visibility, innovation, or cross-sector cooperation. Official information link: The source indicates more details are available on the “Creative Connection” page, but the specific URL is not provided in the supplied text. Readers should use the official Stuttgart “Creative Connection” guidance linked from the opportunity page.

1) What is the Creative Connection grant call?

It is a call for proposals launched by the Economic Development Agency of the State Capital of Stuttgart to fund projects that improve networking and visibility within the creative industries.

2) How much funding is available in total?

The total funding pool for this call is €25,000.

3) What is the maximum grant amount per project?

The grant amount is generally up to €3,000 (as stated in the source).

4) What percentage of costs can be funded?

Funding covers up to 70% of eligible expenses. For participation fees and travel expenses, the funding share is capped at 50%.

5) Who can apply?

Eligible applicants include commercial enterprises, independent professionals, universities/colleges, associations, and institutions with their own legal status, with headquarters in Germany.

6) Are private individuals eligible?

No. The source states that private individuals are not eligible to apply.

7) When is the application deadline?

Applications may be submitted through 30 October 2026. The source does not specify a deadline time or time zone. Review the official Creative Connection guidance linked from the Stuttgart opportunity page to confirm eligibility, eligible costs, and the required submission materials (including the de minimis declaration). Then prepare your project concept around the call’s core focus: networking, visibility, innovation, and collaboration within the creative industries.