Deadline: November 14, 2025
The Nordic Culture Fund has launched its Startup program to support the early phases of artistic and cultural projects that strengthen Nordic cooperation and creative ambitions.
The focus areas of the program are project content and Nordic relevance, including the content and significance of Startup projects for the development of art and cultural life in the Nordic region, how the project is anchored or aims to be anchored in relevant environments in the Nordic region and potentially beyond, and the extent to which the project provides mutual value for all project partners. It also considers whether the project’s development stage is appropriate for Startup, such as whether the purpose, content, participation, method, and budget are sufficiently described and well thought out, and whether the development perspective is sufficiently clear. Another key focus area is economy, where the Fund assesses how realistic and well-prepared the budget is in relation to the project’s content and how well the collaborative and Nordic ambitions are reflected in the budget.
Through this initiative, applicants can receive up to 25,000 DKK to jointly develop new project ideas, with no requirement for co-financing. The funding is typically aimed at covering travel and meeting expenses for development meetings in the Nordic region, with a maximum of 50% of the budget allowed for participant fees.
Eligible applicants include individuals, groups, institutions, associations, companies, and both public and private organizations. Projects must involve at least two actors from two different Nordic countries, with the expectation that participation will expand further across the region. Applicants do not need to reside in the Nordic countries or hold Nordic nationality, as global perspectives that bring new relevance to Nordic art and cultural collaborations are encouraged.
The program does not support projects outside the artistic or cultural field, such as sports or technology development, individual participation in events, school trips, or ready-made projects that should apply for project support instead. All applications must be submitted electronically, and approved projects must begin only after receiving confirmation from the Fund, with activities typically completed within one year.
For more information, visit the Nordic Culture Fund.
