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The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, with generous support from the European Union, has announced a new open call for sub-grants designed to empower Palestinian designers, craftspeople, and craft associations to revitalize endangered traditional crafts through contemporary innovation and sustainable practice.

This initiative aims to breathe new life into six heritage crafts — glass blowing, looming, pottery, mother-of-pearl, olivewood carving, and bamboo — by combining tradition with modern creativity to strengthen Palestine’s cultural and creative economy.

The program invites imaginative and forward-thinking proposals that go beyond traditional preservation to explore how these crafts can evolve while maintaining their cultural roots. Through these sub-grants, UNESCO seeks to promote innovative approaches that transform ancient techniques into viable, market-relevant creations that resonate with today’s audiences.

Projects selected under this initiative will focus on creating fresh, high-quality craft products, enhancing the visibility and appeal of endangered crafts, generating new employment opportunities, and encouraging knowledge transfer between generations. In addition to financial support, grantees will gain access to networking opportunities and public exposure. Their work will be showcased at a final exhibition in spring/summer 2026, providing a platform for national and international recognition and helping connect them with wider creative markets.

Two categories of applicants are eligible to apply. The first, Collectives of Designers and Craftspeople, may receive grants of up to $8,000. This category supports collaborative projects that bring together at least one designer and one craftsperson to reinterpret traditional crafts in bold, contemporary ways. Eligible applicants include design students, emerging or established designers, artisans practicing one of the six endangered crafts, and participants of previous UNESCO-supported training programs. Both the creative design vision and the traditional craftsmanship must be equally represented in the proposal.

The second category, Palestinian Registered Craft Associations, offers grants of up to $10,000 for officially registered organizations that combine design innovation with craftsmanship. These associations must clearly demonstrate how their initiatives will improve the quality, sustainability, and innovation of traditional practices, while strengthening employment opportunities and ensuring the cultural authenticity of their work.

Eligibility

A total of five grants will be awarded under this scheme. Through this initiative, UNESCO and the European Union are reaffirming their commitment to protecting Palestine’s rich cultural heritage while promoting a more resilient, inclusive, and innovative craft ecosystem that bridges the past and future through design, creativity, and collaboration.

Post Date: October 10, 2025