European Network of Cultural Centres (ENCC)

Incubator

Published 1 month ago
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Image by Vukašin Živaljević
Discover our flagship training programme on European project writing for culture

Helping you go European

Watch the wrap-up video to get a glimpse of what Incubator is about

Incubator is designed to support social innovation within our network and beyond, from the initial idea to the funding application. It aims to train and mentor mid-to-senior-level culture professionals aspiring to access European funds for culture. After completion of the programme, participants will have obtained:

  • Clear feedback and recommendations on how to implement their project successfully;

  • Tailored skills and competencies in European funding and project writing;

  • Their project incubated in 5D: all elements reviewed through the lens of high-level experts and peers;

  • An insider understanding of the EU project-evaluation process and criteria;

  • New connections with experts in European cultural cooperation and a diverse range of organisations from all over Europe;

  • Inspiring examples of the use of European funds for international cultural and artistic cooperation and how this cooperation can benefit local communities and territories.

Applications to Incubator 2025 are now open!

A programme in four phases

Phase 1: Application

Applicants present an idea for a project that fits within one of the following funding frameworks: Creative Europe; Erasmus+; Erasmus for Young Entrepreneurs; Interreg; Europe for Citizens. In this phase, the applicant presents a project idea with already identified partners. The applicant is also expected to outline the objectives and outputs, the impact the project aims to achieve, and to prove its European dimension.

Phase 2: Selection of project bearers/preparation

After the application deadline, our advising team assesses the projects submitted. Shortly after the selection announcement, a brief virtual session with experts helps selected candidates structure their project, identify its strengths and weaknesses, and figure out what further development is necessary. Selected candidates then have about two months to flesh out their projects before the mentoring retreat.

Phase 3: Mentoring retreat

Selected project bearers arrive with a detailed draft of their projects, including a timeline and objectives and confirmed partners. During three days, they enjoy one-to-one and group mentoring sessions by a panel of highly qualified and experienced experts. The retreat also features moments of peer-to-peer exchange, study visits and of course networking.

Phase 4: Project development

After the retreat, project bearers have one to two months to identify what type of funding they want to apply for, and five to nine months, depending on the type of project, for further project development. They stay in contact with their mentors all along this phase. A one-hour virtual meeting will help them get final feedback about their project. After this phase, participants are ready to submit their applications.

If you aspire to take your project to the European level, Incubator is the programme for you. Susbscribe to our newsletter to stay up to date about the opening of applications to the next edition.