The UNESCO-Aschberg Programme for Artists and Cultural Professionals has officially opened its 2025 call for project proposals, inviting governments and civil society organizations to submit initiatives that strengthen artistic freedom and improve the socio-economic conditions of artists worldwide. The programme forms part of UNESCO’s broader commitment to protecting cultural rights and promoting the diversity of cultural expressions as a cornerstone of sustainable development.
Supported by the Government of Norway, the UNESCO-Aschberg Programme was restructured to respond to increasing global challenges facing artists and cultural professionals. In many regions, creators encounter censorship, restricted mobility, financial precarity, and limited access to legal protections. The programme addresses these structural issues by supporting policy reform, advocacy, capacity building, and emergency assistance measures.
Programme Objective
The primary goal of the 2025 call is to advance the status of artists and safeguard artistic freedom. UNESCO recognizes that the ability to create, produce, distribute, and participate in cultural life without fear of repression is fundamental to democratic societies and inclusive development.
Projects supported under this initiative are expected to:
- Promote freedom of artistic expression and creative independence
- Strengthen legal and policy frameworks that protect artists’ rights
- Improve access to fair remuneration and social protection systems
- Enhance artists’ freedom of movement and professional mobility
- Support inclusive participation in cultural life, particularly for marginalized communities
By reinforcing these priorities, the programme contributes to international standards that recognize artists as vital contributors to social cohesion, economic growth, and intercultural dialogue.
Funding Tracks
The 2025 call is organized into two distinct tracks to accommodate different institutional actors:
Track 1: Governments and Public Institutions
This track provides technical assistance to national and local authorities seeking to design, revise, or implement legislation and policies that improve the status of artists. While the primary support consists of expert advisory services, applicants may request financial assistance of up to USD 30,000 to cover logistical and operational costs. Eligible expenses may include stakeholder consultations, policy workshops, training sessions, and awareness-raising activities.
The objective of this track is to foster sustainable, long-term policy reform that embeds artistic freedom and professional protections within national governance systems.
Track 2: Civil Society Organizations (CSOs)
Under this track, civil society organizations may apply for grants of up to USD 50,000 to implement innovative projects that promote artists’ rights and cultural freedoms. Projects may operate at local, national, regional, or international levels.
Eligible activities include:
- Training and capacity-building programs for artists and cultural workers
- Advocacy campaigns addressing censorship or policy gaps
- Research and data collection on the status of artists
- Monitoring and reporting initiatives
- Emergency support mechanisms, including temporary relocation or residencies
- Public awareness initiatives that promote artistic freedom
This funding stream emphasizes practical, community-based interventions that deliver measurable impact.
Eligibility Criteria
Eligible applicants include legally registered civil society organizations, cultural associations, foundations, artist unions, research institutions, and academic bodies with at least two years of formal existence. Applicants must demonstrate prior experience in implementing cultural or creative sector initiatives within the past two years.
Government entities and public institutions are eligible exclusively under Track 1.
Priority consideration is given to organizations that have not previously received support from the UNESCO-Aschberg Programme. In addition, projects that benefit artists in developing countries receive particular attention. UNESCO also emphasizes alignment with its global priorities, including support for Africa, gender equality, youth empowerment, and Small Island Developing States (SIDS).
Application Process
Applicants must carefully review the official call guidelines and complete the designated application form corresponding to their funding track. Applications must be submitted in English or French and include all required supporting documentation. Proposals are evaluated by an independent expert panel based on relevance, feasibility, sustainability, and potential impact.
Successful projects will demonstrate a clear strategy for advancing artistic rights while delivering tangible outcomes for artists and cultural professionals.
Why This Programme Matters
Artists play a critical role in shaping public discourse, preserving heritage, and fostering innovation. However, the cultural sector remains vulnerable to political instability, economic downturns, and social restrictions. The UNESCO-Aschberg Programme addresses these vulnerabilities by supporting systemic reforms and grassroots initiatives that enhance resilience within creative ecosystems.
Beyond financial assistance, the programme strengthens global advocacy efforts, encourages policy harmonization, and promotes equitable access to international cultural markets. By empowering artists and cultural professionals, UNESCO aims to reinforce freedom of expression as a universal human right and ensure that creativity remains a driver of inclusive development.
Organizations working in arts policy, cultural rights, advocacy, research, or creative capacity building are strongly encouraged to apply and contribute to this global effort to safeguard artistic freedom.
