EC (European Commission) under its new Call for Proposals seeks to address the issue of “Access to local culture, protection and promotion of cultural diversity.” EC aims to strengthen local culture and promote all forms of cultural expression that fight against different types of discrimination such as gender-based, ethnic, religious discrimination. Specifically, the proposals submitted under this Call should contribute to development and production of cultural events that promote local culture in developing countries, improve access to local and foreign culture in developing countries, promote dissemination of culture from developing countries to other countries, promote intercultural dialogue and raise awareness on the role of culture to fight against discrimination and iprove social cohesion, promote cultural exchance and build capacities.

NGOs from developing countries can apply for this Call for Proposals. Only Concept Notes are to be submitted by the applicants initially based on which the EC will seek proposals from the shortlisted organizations. All applicant organizations need to be registered at the EuropeAid’s online database, PADOR before applying for this Call.

The last date for submitting applications under this Call is 9 April 2009. More information on this is available at this link.