An open call has been launched for projects that will become part of the official cultural programme of Skopje – European Capital of Culture 2028.

The call is open to artists, cultural organisations, public institutions, universities, creative professionals, civil society organisations, cultural operators, creative industries, community organisations and international partners.

Projects should contribute to the European dimension of the programme, artistic excellence, citizen participation, international cooperation and the long-term development of culture in Skopje and North Macedonia.

Projects may be submitted under one or more of the five programme lines:

Art4Hope
Togetherness
rECOvering
CreARTing
Heritage

Funding is available in three categories: €3,000–9,999 for small projects, €10,000–24,999 for medium-scale projects, and €25,000–150,000 for large projects of strategic importance.

The deadline for submitting applications for small and medium-scale projects is 60 calendar days from the publication of the call, while large projects will be submitted through a two-stage application process. The deadline for submitting concepts for large projects is 45 calendar days from the publication of the call.

Project selection will particularly take into account artistic quality, the European dimension, international cooperation, citizen and community engagement, innovation, audience development, sustainability and long-term impact.

Applications must be submitted using the official application package. All interested applicants are encouraged to carefully read the Guidelines for Applicants before preparing their project proposals.

The call was published on 19 August 2026.

Applications: skopje2028.mk – Open Call for Project Proposals