More than €2.5 million in funding will be made available in 2027 to support cultural creation and artistic production in Cyprus through the CULTURE III programme schemes (2026-2030), announced on Monday by the Deputy Ministry of Culture. The application deadline is Monday, 14 December 2026, at 14:00.
Seven sectoral schemes are being announced for 2027, covering literature, visual arts, music, dance, theatre, traditional culture and film, with a total budget of €2.4 million. In addition, the Cross-sectoral Support Scheme for Cultural Creators, with a budget of €161,000, offers opportunities for international mobility, professional development, training and promotion to creators in all fields of contemporary culture.
Improvements to the schemes
The 2027 schemes include changes that, according to the Deputy Ministry, aim to upgrade the support tools available. Access for eligible applicants is being broadened, participation requirements and supporting documents are being clarified, transparency in assessment is being strengthened, and new provisions are being introduced to improve the accessibility of cultural activities. Aspects of implementation and the financial oversight of funded activities are also being simplified.
The changes, together with the digitalisation of the assessment of applications by the Evaluation Committees, aim to establish a more effective and user-friendly framework of support for people and organisations in the cultural sector, the Deputy Ministry says.
It says the amendments arose from its ongoing effort to improve the support tools available, drawing on experience in implementing the schemes and taking into account the needs and proposals of the cultural community, as well as relevant recommendations from the Audit Office. A consistent objective, it adds, is to maintain an accessible, transparent and effective funding system that provides meaningful support for the work of creators and cultural organisations.
Online applications
Applications for all CULTURE III programme schemes for 2027 must be submitted exclusively online through the Grants4Arts Application Platform at www.grants4arts.cy. Applications cannot be submitted after the deadline of Monday, 14 December 2026, at 14:00.
The scheme announcements, detailed implementation guides, relevant forms and required information are available on the Deputy Ministry of Culture’s website at https://www.gov.cy/culture-dcc/documents/politismos-iii-2026-2030/.
A presentation will be held before the end of November to explain the schemes’ objectives, terms and criteria, as well as the application process through the Grants4Arts digital platform. Those interested will be able to ask questions and seek clarification about preparing and submitting their proposals. The presentation will take place in person and will also be available online via Zoom.
Assessment and results
Applications from organisations and groups of individuals will be reviewed by three-member Evaluation Committees appointed by the Deputy Minister of Culture. The names of committee members will be published after their appointment and before the assessment process begins. Once the review and assessment process is complete, a table of the programme’s results will be posted on the Deputy Ministry’s website.
The Deputy Ministry says it remains committed to supporting cultural creation throughout Cyprus. Through the programme, it seeks to strengthen the ability of creators and cultural organisations to develop their work, reach wider audiences and contribute to the island’s cultural life.
With total funding of more than €2.5 million for 2027, the programme, according to the announcement, supports culture as a creative force that shapes identities, fosters dialogue and opens new horizons. “Behind every activity and performance, and every funding award, are people, ideas, stories and creative journeys that enrich our shared cultural space,” it says. The Deputy Ministry looks forward to continuing its cooperation with the cultural community, noting that cultural development is a collective effort and a shared responsibility.
Source: CNA
