Civil Society Dialogue - Istanbul 2010 European Capital of Culture Grant Sceheme (TR0803.03-EuropeAid/129068/D/ACT/TR) is closed for applications as of December 14, 2009, 16:00 hours and evaluation process has begun. Evaluation process of the applications is continuing.

Frequently Asked Questions and Answers

In 2000, the title of European Capital of Culture was extended to include cities in countries that were not members of the European Union during the period 2005-2019. The bid document of Istanbul, entitled “Istanbul: City of the Four Elements” was presented to the European Commission in 2005. On 13 November 2006, Istanbul was declared one of the three European Capitals of Cultures for the year 2010 together with Germany’s Essen and Hungary’s Pécs.

European Commission supports this initiative within the context of the IPA (Instrument for Pre-Accession) with a grant scheme programme entitled “Civil Society Dialogue- Istanbul 2010 European Capital of Culture”. Programme is implemented under the coordination of Istanbul 2010 European Capital of Culture Agency. A total of € 1.578.900 will be provided to non-governmental organizations active in the area of culture and arts to demonstrate Istanbul’s cultural legacy and capacity. In line with the spirit of Civil Society Dialogue, all projects will be implemented with partners from the European Union.

This programme will not only strengthen the role of the civil society initiatives in Turkey but will also contribute to the establishment of multilateral partnerships in the areas of culture and arts thus contributing to the Civil Society Dialogue between Turkey and the European Union (EU).

Eligibility of applicants: who may apply?

 In order to be eligible for a grant, applicants must:

• be legal persons,
• be non-profit making,
• be non-governmental organizations (NGOs) operating in the field of culture and arts,
• be nationals of a Member State of the European Union and Turkey,
• be directly responsible for the preparation and management of the action with their partners, not acting as an intermediary,
• have technical, managerial and financial capacity to ensure the continuity of their organization of their project, and play a part financing it.

Partnerships and eligibility of partners

• applicants from Turkey should have one eligible partner from EU Member States.
• applicants from EU Member States should have one eligible partner from Turkey.

Size of grants

Any grant awarded under this Call for Proposals must fall between the following minimum and maximum amounts:

• minimum amount: EUR 50.000
• maximum amount: EUR 150.000

A grant may not be for less than 50 % of the total eligible costs of the action. 

In addition, no grant may exceed 90% of the total eligible costs of the action

The balance must be financed from the applicant's or partners' own resources, or from sources other than the European Community budget.

Duration

• The planned duration of an action may not be lower than 9 months nor exceed 12 months.

Location

• Istanbul, EU member states or candidate countries.

Project priorities

Grants will be made available for the following priorities:

• Promoting networking activities and sustainable partnerships,
• Awareness rising, facilitating dialogue and mutual understanding,
• Promoting innovative initiatives, ideas and productions.

Sectors or themes

• Visual Arts
• Music and Opera 
• Theatre and Performing Arts
• Literature
• Urban Culture
• Traditional Arts
• Cinema/ Documentary/ Animation
• Participation to Planning and New Urban Experiences in Architecture
• Common Cultural Heritage

Application Documents:

Local Publication

Guidelines for Application

Application Form and Annexes

For more information please contact:

abhibe@istanbul2010.org