Short-term Network Funding — up to €20,000 to launch an international cultural network

Sometimes development does not happen through a new project, but through the people with whom it can arise. This programme supports the creation and strengthening of professional networks between artists and cultural figures in the countries of Northern Europe and the Baltic. The focus is on knowledge exchange, joint thinking and building sustainable cooperation, rather than the production of individual artistic results.
Funding is targeted at situations where it is important to meet, agree, plan and test a format for collaboration that may later develop into larger international initiatives. The programme creates space for the strategic phase – before exhibitions, performances or publications appear.

How funding works
Network funding is part of the Nordic-Baltic Mobility Programme for Culture, administered by Nordic Culture Point. The programme offers various forms of support, including mobility, residencies and network funding. These are submitted separately and are not interchangeable.
Each format serves its own purpose. Short-term Network Funding is specifically designed to launch and structure cooperation when it is important to create a working basis for future joint projects.

What exactly is supported
Funding can be used for short-term and long-term networks lasting up to one year. In particular, working meetings, seminars, conferences, joint training sessions and strategic sessions are supported.
The programme also covers the exchange of experience and resources, the development of joint programmes and formats, and, in some cases, the creation of platforms or tools for cooperation, if they logically follow from the network’s objectives and strengthen its sustainability.
This is not about one-off events, but about the process of building interaction between partners.

Geography of the programme
The programme covers the countries of Northern Europe and the Baltic region: Denmark, Estonia, Finland, the Faroe Islands, Greenland, Iceland, Latvia, Lithuania, Norway, Sweden and the Åland Islands.
It is within this region that the core of cooperation should be formed.

What is not funded
The programme does not support the implementation of artistic and cultural projects as such. Production costs, tours, individual events and activities that have already taken place are not funded.
It is important to consider the timing: supported activities cannot begin earlier than eight weeks after the deadline. This should be noted in the network’s calendar in advance.

Who can apply
Professional artists and cultural figures from all fields can apply, including artists, curators, producers, literary translators, cultural editors, and researchers. Applications can be submitted by individuals or organisations.
“Professional” status means having proven experience in the field of art and culture and/or relevant education. This can be a CV, portfolio, list of completed projects, or academic background.
It is important to note that the network can be initiated not only by an institution, but also by an individual artist or cultural professional, provided they are capable of coordinating the collaboration. This format is particularly suitable for artists with strong organisational and curatorial skills who work at the intersection of practice and management.
To apply, applicants must be residents of one of the countries of Northern Europe or the Baltic States. Citizenship of these countries is not mandatory — the key factor is place of residence and professional activity. Organisations and institutions must be based in the region.

Network requirements
The network must include partners from at least three Nordic and/or Baltic countries. This structure emphasises the regional nature of the programme and must be logically justified in the application. Partners from other
countries may participate if this strengthens the objectives of the cooperation and does not dilute the regional focus.

Format and scope of support
For networks with a cooperation period of up to one year, funding of up to €20,000 is available. However, Nordic Culture Point’s contribution cannot exceed 70% of the project budget.
The budget is a key part of the application and must be drawn up using the mandatory template. The network may subsequently apply for long-term funding, indicating in advance the availability of short-term support.

Additional funding
Funding from other pan-Scandinavian
organisations, such as the Nordic Cultural Fund, is permitted. However, total funding from pan-Scandinavian sources must not exceed 85% of the project budget.

The applications are assessed based on the clarity of their objectives, the realism of their timetable, and the quality of cooperation between partners. Particular attention is paid to the potential for network development, its sustainability, and well-thought-out communication of results. The Scandinavian-Baltic dimension of the project and its contribution to regional cultural cooperation are considered separately.

Language and deadlines
Accordingly, applications and final reports must be submitted in English.
Applications are accepted twice a year.
09.01.2026 – 09.02.2026
10.08.2026 – 04.09.2026