Open Call for a Nordic-European Culture Initiative

Nordic Currents

The Nordic Council of Ministers invites project proposals as part of Nordic Currents - a new international culture initiative to take place in 2027–2028.

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With trust, openness, artistic freedom and democratic values as its core, Nordic Currents invites cultural organisations in neighbouring European countries to join forces with Nordic partners and create projects that move audiences, deepen relationships and create lasting connections.

Nordic Currents aims to showcase the richness and quality of contemporary Nordic culture and art in the neighbouring European countries as well as promote long-term collaborations between Nordic and European actors.

Who Can Apply?

Established organisations from European countries neighbouring the Nordic region*: cultural organisations, institutions, promoters, festivals, producers, as well as embassies and diplomatic missions in cooperation with stakeholders in arts and culture.

Applicants must have a minimum of two partners from different Nordic countries who will be active throughout the project.

(*primarily Belgium, Estonia, France, Germany, Ireland, Lithuania, Latvia, the Netherlands, Poland and the United Kingdom).

Where Can the Project Take Place?

In a single country or as a co-operation between partners in different countries. Activities during the project must primarily take place in the country where the applying organisation is based. If the project involves several partners in Europe (outside the Nordic region), activities may be organised in their respective countries.

Emphasis will be placed on projects in regions/countries with local interest in Nordic art and culture, and where Nordic and local partners can establish long-term, mutually beneficial collaborations.

What Can the Project Include?

Projects within Nordic Currents should offer both artistic programs and events accessible to local audiences as well as platforms for professional exchange and sector/industry development.

Public cultural events:
Such as festivals, programmes, series, or other curated formats, either as standalone initiatives or connected to existing structures.

Sector development:
Projects must include dimensions of network-building, knowledge sharing and other forms of sector development.

Projects must take place between 1 June 2027 and 1 June 2028. The programming must include representation from all of the Nordic countries, with artists and cultural actors from Denmark, the Faroe Islands, Finland, Greenland/Kalallit Nunaat, Iceland, Norway, Sweden and Åland.

What Amount Can We Request?

Projects may apply for funding in the range of EUR 100 000 to EUR 800 000. As the total pool for the initiative is EUR 800 000, between one and eight proposals will be successful.

Co-financing through local, national or other funding sources is a prerequisite for projects to be eligible for Nordic Currents.

When and How to Apply

Proposals can be submitted in English through an online portal available between 1 October – 1 November 2026.

Selected projects will be publicly announced in May 2027.

How are the Proposals Assessed?

All proposals that meet the requirements will be assessed by a professional committee and expert reviewers within corresponding art fields.

Projects are evaluated based on:

- Artistic quality
- Connection to the Nordic region
- Relevance to the artistic fields covered by the proposal
- How the concept incorporates democratic values such as openness, trust and artistic freedom
- Capacity to successfully implement the collaboration
- Public appeal for the intended target audiences
- Public accessibility
- Potential for long-term impact and future collaboration
- Organisational and financial capacity