🇨🇾 OPEN CALL FOR CULTURAL ACTIONS – 2026 SEASON

Cyprus High Commission
Jul 10
2 min read

Organised by the Cultural Section of the Cyprus High Commission in the UK

In 2026, Cyprus will assume the Presidency of the Council of the European Union, marking a year of unique cultural visibility and opportunity. To honour this moment, the Cultural Section is curating a rich cultural season throughout the UK — a vibrant tapestry of flagship events and dynamic, smaller-scale cultural actions that showcase Cypriot talent and creativity.

We are now inviting proposals for small-scale cultural actions to take place across the UK in any month of 2026. These initiatives will complete the textile of our cultural season — distinct artistic threads that may be modest in scale but are energetic, thoughtful, and rooted in meaningful engagement.

✨ THEMATIC FOCUS

Projects should reflect at least one of the following guiding themes:

👩‍🦰 Women and everyday life — the personal, domestic, and community-centred stories that shape us
🌍 Cyprus as a bridge between East and West — both historically and in its current geopolitical and cultural context
🤝 Belonging, identity, and exchange — especially within diaspora and cross-cultural communities

Projects can take place anywhere in the UK, and may be live, digital, or hybrid in format.

📌 GUIDELINES & HOW TO APPLY

All applicants must first contact the Cultural Section before submitting an application.This step is essential to ensure your proposal aligns with the aims of the programme and receives the appropriate guidance.

📞 The Cultural Section will be available to advise on proposals every Tuesday and Wednesday between 2:00 – 4:00 PM (UK time).📧 To book a one-to-one consultation, email us at CulturalCyHCL@mfa.gov.cy with a short summary of your idea and your phone number. We will schedule a call during one of the available time slots the following week.

📝 APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS

Once you’ve had your consultation, you may submit a complete application including the following:

A Project Description (max 500 words)
A Timeline and Location
A Project Budget, including any in-kind support
A Short Artist or Group Bio (max 300 words)
A Cover Letter (max 400 words) that clearly states:
- Why your project is relevant to the 2026 themes
- Whether you are planning to apply for other grants or funding (whether UK-based or Cyprus-based) for the same project
Relevant Links to past work, website, or social media

📥 Download the Application Guidelines and Form here:

📅 KEY DATES

Applications open: 10 July 2025
Deadline to submit proposals: 25 August 2025
Cultural Section closed: 8–18 August
Final day for enquiries: Thursday 21 August 2025

💡 WHY APPLY?

These cultural actions are the finer threads of our 2026 cultural textile — small-scale, but vital in giving shape, colour, and connection to a landmark year for Cyprus in Europe.

Whether you’re an emerging voice or an established creator, this is a chance to make your mark on a season that brings together heritage, innovation, and storytelling — across communities and across the UK.

📩 Email all queries and applications to: CulturalCyHCL@mfa.gov.cy

Let’s shape this landmark season — together.