Call for Proposals:
Deutsch-Französischer Kulturfonds / Fonds Culturel Franco-Allemand 2026
THE FIGHT AGAINST DISINFORMATION AND THE ROLE OF CULTURE IN IMAGINING CONTEMPORARY RESPONSES

The Deutsch-Französischer Kulturfonds / Fonds Culturel Franco-Allemand (FCFA) was established in 2003 to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the Élysée Treaty, a cornerstone of Franco-German cooperation. This fund, created jointly by the German and French governments, aims to strengthen cultural ties and foster cooperation between the two nations in third countries.

For 2026, the German and French Embassies in Albania invite visionary proposals for cultural and artistic projects, with a special focus on the fight against disinformation and the role of culture in imagining contemporary responses. This initiative highlights the unique Franco-German partnership by supporting projects that foster cultural exchange and community engagement worldwide.

This Year’s Special Focus for Applications:

The fight against disinformation and the role of culture in imagining contemporary responses.

The theme explores the role of culture in understanding disinformation, fostering creativity as a tool for trust and contributing to more open, inclusive and informed societies. Proposals should address, among others, the following issues:

• artistic and digital practices in the face of information overload and fragmented media spaces;
• narratives, heritage, and memory as levers for rebuilding shared imaginaries;
• cultural spaces as places of dialogue, empowerment, and civic participation;
• the role of the arts in the transmission of knowledge, visual literacy, and the promotion of a plurality of sources and perspectives;
• artistic creations in the fields of music, theatre, dance, and digital arts that explore disinformation and its reception in our societies.

Who Can Apply

• Diverse Artistic Formats: Visual arts, digital arts, performing arts, cinema, theater, film, audiovisual, new media, dialogue formats, and literature.
• Community Impact: Projects should integrate local partners and create long-term cultural and community benefits. Purely scientific, professional training activities, development cooperation initiatives or projects limited to artistic dissemination without complementary elements ensuring the project’s lasting impact, are not eligible.

Funding Details

• Maximum Grant: €20,000 per project, with potential for higher amounts in exceptional cases.
• Coverage: Up to 50% of total project costs.
• Co-Financing: Local contributions and in-kind services are necessary for the other 50% of the project costs.
• Grant Limitation: Funding is provided for one-time project modules; subsequent modules require new applications.
• Project Beginning: after April 1st 2026

Application Process

• First Step: Send a brief concept note with a preliminary budget by February 4, 2026.
• Further Steps: Selected applicants will be invited to submit detailed proposals by February 15, 2026. All applications must be validated by the respective French and German institutional representatives before submission. Applications will be submitted in two identical versions: one via the Goethe-Institut online application portal and one via the Institut français IFprog platform. Proposals may be submitted in English at the application stage. However, selected projects might be required to provide final versions in both French and German.

How We Evaluate Proposals

• Project Design: Theme consideration, partnership quality, sustainability, local relevance, involvement of local organisations and the integration of ecological and gender equality considerations. Projects that leave a lasting legacy and foster ongoing dialogue and cultural exchange are highly valued.
• Artistic, Cultural and Political Relevance: Alignment with local contexts and the broader impact on Albania’s cultural landscape.
• Franco-German Integration: Projects should effectively incorporate a reference to the Franco-German partnership within their concept and activities in Albania.

Selection and Implementation

A binational committee will review worldwide proposals in March 2026. Successful projects will be funded by either the Goethe-Institut or Institut français and will start on April 1, 2026. Cooperation between project partners and adaptation to local conditions are essential.

Communication Requirements

Acknowledgment: All funded projects must prominently acknowledge support from the Deutsch-Französischer Kulturfonds / Fonds culturel franco-allemand using the official name and logo provided.

How to Submit

Send your proposal to: catherine.veber@diplomatie.gouv.fr and ku-1@tira.diplo.de

Please do not hesitate to reach out in case of questions.