RYCO is launching 4th Open Call for individuals and organizations in the field of art and culture

18.04.2025.

Western Balkans Youth Cultural Fund continues to empower youth-led cultural activism and regional cooperation. After the successful implementation of the previous Open Calls, which supported 70 initiatives and engaged over 850 young artists, practitioners, and youth activists across the Western Balkans, the Regional Youth Cooperation Office (RYCO) is excited to announce the launch of the Fourth Open Call within the Western Balkans Youth Cultural Fund (WBYCF).

Since its launch in October 2023, the WBYCF has served as a vibrant platform for fostering regional cooperation, reconciliation, and peacebuilding through creative expression. The supported projects span diverse forms of cultural and artistic work, including music, design, literature, architecture, fashion, and visual and performing arts reaching more than 88,020 participants across the region.

The Fourth Open Call, launched on 15 April 2025, invites young cultural practitioners and youth-oriented civil society organizations (CSOs) from the Western Balkans to apply for funding and contribute to this regional movement for unity through arts and culture.

As in previous calls, individuals are eligible for grants of up to 3,000 EUR, while CSOs may apply for grants of up to 6,000 EUR. Applications must be submitted by 15 May 2025 at 23:59, through RYCO’s Online Grants Management System available at www.rycowb.org. Info sessions will be held between 16 April and 30 April 2025.

This year also introduces the Peace Champion grant, recognizing individuals who have made exceptional contributions to peacebuilding through cultural work. These awards aim to celebrate and amplify the impact of cultural activism in strengthening social bonds across borders.

The Western Balkans Youth Cultural Fund is a multi-year initiative funded by the German Federal Foreign Office, implemented by RYCO, and supported by the governments of the Western Balkans. The project runs until September 2026, with up to ten Open Calls planned to further expand youth-driven cultural cooperation and regional solidarity.

The achievements of previous calls demonstrate the transformative potential of culture, as well as importance of nurturing cultural initiatives. Words of people that has been involved in the project stand as the best testimonial for this:

“People often see culture as something that simply exists, but in reality, it’s something we must actively nurture. For culture to grow with meaning, to maintain its quality, and to truly reach and inspire new generations, we need to invest in programs, especially those that engage young people, because it’s through them that culture stays alive, relevant, and evolving. “

By applying, young people have the chance not only to showcase their creativity but also to take an active role in shaping a more connected, peaceful, and inclusive region

*This designation is without prejudice to positions on status and is in line with UNSCR 1244 and the ICJ Opinion on the Kosovo Declaration of Independence.