Incubator 2025: Istanbul
In 2025, our Incubator training programme will take you to the heart of Istanbul, Türkiye, for a retreat hosted by our member Sanatatak.
With the help of our team of experienced international mentors, participants will refine their cultural project ideas to get ready to apply to the European funding scheme of their choice. The training retreat will also offer trainees invaluable opportunities to network and connect with other socio-culture professionals from all over Europe and beyond. A rich programme will take them through Istanbul's vibrant cultural life. Participants who choose to stay for the weekend will also have the chance to visit the 18th Istanbul Biennial.
This edition of the programme will dedicate a special focus to the inclusion and cultural participation of marginalised groups, from an intersectional and inter-generational perspective. However, projects with other focuses are equally encouraged to apply. If you aspire to take your project to the European level, Incubator is the programme for you.
Questions? Watch the Incubator 2025 info session here or consult the Incubator FAQ here
N.B.: Applications to this edition of Incubator closed on April 4th, 2025. You can view the call here.
Marija Popović (Zmaja) has worked as a project manager, trainer, external evaluator and consultant since 2000. She is currently a producer and international cooperation manager at the Institution Student Cultural Centre in Novi Sad, and an EU projects coordinator at the EXIT Foundation. She has managed EU projects in the fields of human rights, social inclusion, youth and culture, and has extensive experience with Erasmus+. Zmaja is also a member of the Team Europe of the DEU in Serbia.
Giles Agis has developed and delivered carnival arts and festival events across Europe, Africa, the Caribbean, Latin America, and Asia over the past thirty years. In the last two decades his focus has been on the capacity building of a diverse range global majority, disabled and working class emerging and professional arts, cultural operators, and arts organisations. Since 2019 he has worked at Edinburgh Jazz & Blues Festival as Carnival & Community Manager, where he has developed an annual programme of arts engagement activities that culminates in Edinburgh Festival Carnival one of Scotland's largest multicultural events.
Toni Attard is the founder and director of Culture Venture, Malta’s leading firm in consultancy and training for the cultural and creative sectors. He was previously the director of strategy at Malta's Arts Council, and served as a creative economy advisor within the Ministry of Finance, with a view to developing a national strategy for the cultural and creative industries. Among other tasks, he has also lead numerous cultural projects and established ten public arts funding programmes.
Fourth trainer tbc
A detailed programme will be announced soon