The first call of the ArtPower Belarus grant programme received great interest from artists and cultural initiatives. A total of 213 applications were submitted under Track 2: Creative Projects, including 120 in the MINI category and 93 in the MIDI category. The total requested funding amounts to approximately €4.4 million.
These figures clearly demonstrate that there is strong demand for supporting Belarusian culture, and the cultural community continues to work, create, and evolve despite all circumstances.
What did applicants propose?
Among the submitted projects are book publishing, recording music albums, shooting short films and video clips, conducting research and educational activities, initiatives for children and youth, new media projects and YouTube shows, theatrical and exhibition initiatives, and much more.
Each project reflects the vibrant, dynamic, and diverse cultural landscape shaped by Belarusians both inside the country and in exile. The most popular fields among applicants were: new media and cultural promotion, education and cultural research, and cultural event management.
“We are impressed! 213 applications are more than just numbers, they reflect the living rhythm of Belarusian culture. It’s a true explosion of energy, creativity, and self-organisation.
We see Belarusian artists, musicians, researchers, and curators continuing to work, collaborate, take risks, and build the future especially within Belarus. For us, this is a clear sign that the programme is timely and truly needed. Thank you to everyone who submitted an application.
The total requested budget for this round exceeds the available funding by 10 times. This is common in grant programmes, but it’s also a challenge: we must select the very best, preserve the creative energy, and fill the space with high-quality cultural products that engage new audiences in Belarusian culture,” noted the ArtPower Belarus team.
What’s next?
Applications that passed the technical review have already been sent for independent expert evaluation. Results of the first round will be announced in September 2025. If you are an applicant, be sure to check your email.
Up to €400,000 in funding will be distributed under Track 2 in this round.
Grant amounts:
- MINI – from €3,000 to €10,000
- MIDI – from €10,000 to €60,000
The next call for applications under Track 2 will be announced in November 2025.
Stay updated at: byculture.org/artpower_belarus
Questions? Contact us at: info@artpowergrants.org
Background
ArtPower Belarus is implemented in partnership between the Belarusian Council for Culture and the Danish Cultural Institute and is funded by the European Union. The goal of the programme is to support independent Belarusian cultural and artistic initiatives as drivers of democratic change.
The programme places particular focus on projects that:
- enhance the quality and visibility of Belarusian culture;
- connect creators and audiences across borders;
- strengthen professional networks;
- improve working conditions and integration into the European cultural space;
- develop new forms of cultural promotion;
- are rooted in education and professional skill development.
