About

The European Local Culture Competition (LOT) has been launched to strengthen local cultural ecosystems, promote regional identity, and integrate Ukrainian communities into the wider European cultural space through innovative cultural initiatives. The program supports projects that foster intercultural dialogue, cultural diplomacy, and the creation of competitive cultural products while rethinking and preserving local heritage in a modern European context. It emphasizes cultural diversity, inclusion, gender equality, and the empowerment of indigenous peoples and ethnic communities, ensuring equal access to cultural practices and heritage for all citizens, including internally displaced persons.

Projects may be implemented across diverse cultural and creative sectors such as audio art, visual arts, cultural heritage, literature, performative and scenic arts, and cross‑sectoral industries. Eligible activities include performances, exhibitions, multimedia and virtual exhibitions, interactive guides, 3D tours, digital heritage maps, creative laboratories, mobile cultural initiatives, artist residencies, multimedia installations, digital archives, and AR/VR/MR cultural products. The competition also encourages digital transformation, sustainable development, and environmental responsibility through modern approaches and innovative technologies.

The total budget available is UAH 9,554,000 (approximately €200,000). Individual grants range from UAH 155,000 (approximately €3,000) to UAH 400,000 (approximately €8,000). Supported projects are expected to contribute to sustainable community development, social cohesion, and the cultural integration of internally displaced persons.

Eligibility

Eligible applicants include local government bodies of settlements other than regional centers and the city of Kyiv, registered in Ukraine (excluding temporarily occupied territories), with relevant experience in the cultural sector. Legal entities of all forms of ownership and individual entrepreneurs may also apply, provided they have been registered in eligible territories of Ukraine for at least one year prior to the start of the competition and demonstrate relevant cultural experience. Applications will be assessed based on organizational capacity, prior experience, and alignment with the competition’s objectives.

Post Date: July 15, 2026