Contact
Josephine Hartmann
stepbeyond@eurocult.org
Sofia Félix
sfelix@eurocult.org


Supporting Travel for European Projects
This mobility scheme supports cross-border movement of artists and cultural workers to experience diversity and cross-cultural cooperation between all European countries, including those that are not currently members of the European Union, and since July 2005, in collaboration with the Arts and Culture Network Program of the Open Society Institute Budapest, also the countries of the South Caucasus, i.e. Georgia, Armenia and Azerbaijan, since January 2007 Turkey as well. It gives creative and inspiring channels for expression through a multifaceted exchange of ideas and communication with other cultures. Specifically, STEP beyond offers grants to people (individuals or those representing an organization) whose travel would contribute to this goal.
Through travel, the STEP beyond fund supports grantees to explore and reassess their own interests, gain inspiration, and stimulate innovative creative connections. The experience and insight gained through STEP-funded travel helps careers develop and sets individuals further along the road to success.

What kind of initiatives does the European Cultural Foundation support?
The ECF mobility fund, STEP beyond (Supporting Travel for European Projects) encourages travel that is guided by the following principles:
Travels with a distinct relation to the ECF’s focus on Diversity in Europe. These travels must also:
· Stimulate travel between the countries of the enlarged European Union and non-EU European countries.
· Support individuals in the DEVELOPMENTAL phase of new cross-border projects in the field of culture and the arts.
· Allow the individuals and cultural partners involved to initiate real cooperation and possibly enter a long-term PARTNERSHIP.
· Give preference to exploration eastwards in order to emphasize that Europe continues beyond the eastern borders of the European Union.

Thus ECF has created a targeted call for proposals related to its focus on Experiencing diversity and the Power of Culture:
Some possible topics which we propose are:
1. European realities of religion – an alternative representation
2. Artistic youth in minority cultures
3. Migration and experimental art
4. European identity - transcending mental borders
5. Exploring trans-national identities
6. Visions of European decadence

ECF will therefore give priority to travels which are related to these topics, but will indeed continue to also support other projects related to Intercultural Dialogue:
The mobility fund STEP beyond stimulates and supports cross-cultural creative projects. We want to motivate young artists and cultural practitioners to explore, experience, gain inspiration and influence others within their own networks to create new innovative creative connections through:
• Exploring unknown grounds and discovering different ways of working
• Collaborating and exchanging views and ideas
• Networking


STEPbeyond will not contribute towards the costs of
· Participation in festivals, conferences, summer schools or training sessions - The showcasing of work or the staging of productions (concerts, exhibitions,etc) - Student or University exchanges
· Government officials

What costs are covered?
The STEP beyond fund will make a contribution to travel costs, visa costs, and, in certain cases, accommodation costs (through an allowance) of those awarded a grant. It is an asset if the host organization could support the accommodation costs.


Application

Who can apply?
Artists - Cultural operators/activists - Cultural journalists - Cultural translators - Cultural researchers

deadlines for applications
no deadline
the application must be sent in EIGHT WEEKS before the intended date of travel.

Application form
www.eurocult.org/uploads/docs/...
www.eurocult.org/application-f...

Further Information
www.eurocult.org/uploads/docs/...
www.eurocult.org/we-support-cu...
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