This call for application is promoted in the framework of the Aschberg Programme for Artists and Cultural Professionals and is part of the several responses undertaken by UNESCO in order to contrast the crisis that affected the artistic and cultural sector after the Covid 19 outbreak. The initiative has the goal to provide a mechanism of technical and financial assistance to Member States interested in designing, revising or implementing inclusive policy reforms for the protection  and promotion of the economic, social and cultural rights of the artists and cultural professionals. In particular, the reforms should face the issues of social security, decent jobs and income generation, copyrights protection, credit conditions, tax exemptions, mobility, freedom of artistic expression, trade unions and professional organizations, unemployment benefits, sick leaves or health insurance from which professionals in other sectors already benefit.

The Aschberg programme supports artistic creativity through the implementation of UNESCO’s two normative instruments: the 2005 Convention on the Protection and Promotion of the Diversity of Cultural Expressions and the 1980 Recommendation concerning the Status of the Artist.
It’s main goal is to facilitate a balanced flow of cultural goods and services, increase the mobility of artists and cultural professionals, and promote human rights and fundamental freedoms. In line with the 2030 Agenda, the programme’s ambition is to contribute to promoting sustained, inclusive and sustainable economic growth and reducing inequality among countries.

The call provides detailed guidelines that clarify the eligibility criteria, assistance and funding modalities.
Submissions deadline: 3 December 2021
Applications are to be submitted by emails to: aschberg@unesco.org.
Contact for additional information: aschberg@unesco.org.
UNESCO Aschberg Programme for Artists and Cultural Professionals webpage.
Download the call for projects