The Czech Republic's Ministry of Finance, in co-operation with the Ministry of Culture, the Arts Council Norway and the Icelandic Centre for Research, announced a second open call for project funding proposals.

Funding will be granted from the EEA Grants 2014-2021, to high quality contemporary arts activities that constitute the core of cultural and creative industries and creative economy, and are deemed to contribute to intelligent, sustainable and inclusive growth. The total allocation of the call is CZK 79 500 000 (EUR 3 000 000).

Specifically, in order to promote an inclusive and sustainable society, and to address related problems and their causes, the programme will support:

• projects which address current social challenges through art and community activities;
• regional projects arising from relevant local needs;
• projects integrating disadvantaged groups (for example Roma and other social, ethnic and cultural minorities such as migrants and refugees).

As far as minority groups are concerned, specific emphasis will be placed on support for inclusive cultural events (e.g. those including minorities as well as the majority society), intercultural dialogue and partner cooperation between stakeholders.

Additionally, diverse activities within individual fields (performing arts; visual art; literature), and interdisciplinary approaches and activities will be specifically emphasised. Interdisciplinary projects may involve any of the above-mentioned disciplines as well as audio-visual elements (film; videogames), although the programme will not support audio-visual art as a stand-alone activity.

The programme will mainly support activities aiming for originality, with special emphasis on development and involvement of the audience (with a developed communication strategy based on knowledge of target group needs), as well as on capacity building of artists and cultural operators in cultural entrepreneurship, artistic and technical skills.

The deadline for submission of project proposals is 31 August 2021, 12:00pm.

Make submissions and find further information on the call itself here.