UNESCO-Aschberg Programme for Artists and Cultural Professionals 2025 and UNESCO, Global

The UNESCO-Aschberg Programme for Artists and Cultural Professionals 2025 is a major operational tool designed to improve the social and economic protection of creative workers worldwide. By aligning with the 1980 Recommendation concerning the Status of the Artist and the 2005 Convention on the Protection and Promotion of the Diversity of Cultural Expressions, the programme addresses structural vulnerabilities in the creative sector. Consequently, it serves as a critical bridge to build resilience among artists and cultural professionals, particularly in the wake of global crises like the COVID-19 pandemic.

Program Highlights

Feature	Details
Program Title	UNESCO-Aschberg Programme for Artists and Cultural Professionals
Organizing Body	UNESCO (supported by the Kingdom of Norway)
Application Deadline	February 23, 2026
Funding Tracks	Track 1 (Governments) and Track 2 (Civil Society)
Priority Groups	Africa, Gender Equality, SIDS, and Youth
Maximum Grant	Up to $50,000 USD (Track 2)

Program Overview

The primary objective of the UNESCO-Aschberg Programme is to protect and promote artistic freedom and the status of the artist in its broadest sense. This includes a comprehensive bundle of rights recognized under international law, such as the right to create without censorship, the right to fair remuneration, and the freedom of movement. Specifically, the programme aims to assist Member States and civil society in developing robust legal, policy, and regulatory frameworks that recognize creative workers as professionals.

Eligibility Criteria

The call for projects is divided into two distinct categories, each with its own set of requirements:

Track 1: For Governments and Public Institutions

• Technical assistance to revise or design laws, regulations, and policies that protect the status of the artist.
• Focuses on professional, social, and economic rights, including social security and fair remuneration.

Track 2: For Civil Society Organizations (CSOs)

• Open to local, national, regional, or international non-profit CSOs.
• Includes NGOs, professional associations, foundations, artist unions, and academic research centers.
• Legal Existence: Must have at least two (02) years of legal existence with proof of registration.
• Experience: Must have implemented at least one project in the cultural and creative sector between 2023 and 2024.

Curriculum & Project Scope

Innovative projects submitted under this call may encompass a variety of activities aimed at advancing artistic freedom:

• Capacity Building: Organizing workshops and training sessions for artists and policymakers.
• Policy Design: Developing regulatory frameworks for decent work conditions and social protection.
• Advocacy and Research: Conducting monitoring activities and advocacy campaigns to shift public narratives.
• Emergency Support: Providing safe working spaces, residencies, or relocation assistance for artists in crisis.

Learning & Professional Outcomes

Through participation in the UNESCO-Aschberg initiatives, organizations and public bodies are expected to achieve:

• Strengthened capacities to implement the 2005 Convention and 1980 Recommendation.
• Improved professional, social, and economic status for artists at the national level.
• Enhanced global mobility for cultural professionals, particularly those from the Global South.
• Established inter-sectoral approaches that link culture with sustainable development goals.

Registration & Submission Details

Detail	Information
Application Form	Government Form / CSO Form
Submission Email	aschberg@unesco.org
Language	English or French
Financial Request (Track 1)	Up to $30,000 USD for logistical support
Financial Request (Track 2)	Up to $50,000 USD for project implementation

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the status of the artist according to UNESCO?
The status of the artist encompasses a bundle of rights including the right to create without intimidation, the right to social and economic protection, and freedom of association.

Can individuals apply for the UNESCO-Aschberg Programme 2025?
No, this call is strictly for governments, public institutions, and non-profit civil society organizations.

What documents are required for CSOs?
Applicants must provide proof of legal registration (at least 2 years), activity reports, and financial statements for 2023–2024.

Is there a geographical priority for funding?
Yes, priority is given to projects benefiting artists from developing countries and those aligned with priorities like Africa, youth, and SIDS.

When will I know if my project is approved?
While the call closes in February, an independent panel of experts typically evaluates applications and notifies candidates within approximately two months.