Matera, Italy
Tétouan, Morocco
ALF MEDITERRANEAN CAPITALS OF CULTURE AND DIALOGUE 2026
CALL 1 TO SUPPORT CULTURAL AND INTERCULTURAL ACTIVITIES IN MATERA AND TÉTOUAN
Matera, Italy
Tétouan, Morocco
ALF MEDITERRANEAN CAPITALS OF CULTURE AND DIALOGUE 2026
CALL 1 TO SUPPORT CULTURAL AND INTERCULTURAL ACTIVITIES IN MATERA AND TÉTOUAN
Submit your proposal now and bring your creative and cultural vision to life!
Application Deadline: 4 April 2026 (23:59 Central European Time, CET)
Join the info-session on 17 March at 12:00 PM CET using this link.
Call to Support Cultural and Intercultural Activities in Alexandria (Received)
Call to Support Cultural and Intercultural Activities in Alexandria (Provisionally Selected)
Read the call in PDF here. (old)
Read the call in PDF here.
About the Mediterranean Capitals of Culture and Dialogue
The Mediterranean Capitals of Culture and Dialogue are born from the collective efforts of over 200 young representatives from the civil society of over 20 countries, who gathered at the Forum des Mondes Méditerranéens in February 2022 in Marseille. Their recommendations, alongside the call of Ministers of Culture of the Euro-Mediterranean region in June of the same year in Naples, inspired the 43 Member States of the Euro-Mediterranean Partnership to endorse it to further promote the diversity and shared identity of the Mediterranean and contribute to a better mutual understanding of its peoples.
Building on this youth-driven momentum of shared ambition, the ALF and the UfM worked together in close collaboration with young civil society representatives and governments to design and launch this initiative. This collaborative and open approach ensures that it remains rooted in the ambitions and voices of the youth at its core.
Matera and Tétouan have been nominated as Mediterranean Capitals of Culture and Dialogue for 2026 and now ALF is launching this open call to support cultural and intercultural activities in both cities.
This call reaffirms the ALF’s commitment to supporting cities as dynamic spaces for intercultural dialogue and as engines for cooperation between local administrations, intercultural entities or equivalent organisations through artistic performances, interactive initiatives and dialogue in shaping more inclusive societies.
What are we looking for?
We are seeking intercultural entities or equivalent capable of designing and implementing cultural and intercultural activities in indoor venues or outdoor public spaces in Matera, Italy or Tétouan, Morocco (non-profit-no ticket sales) to be carried out between June and August 2026 that
1) demonstrate the power of culture as a tool for social inclusion;
2) showcase the diversity of the Euro-Mediterranean region and create a sense of unity through different forms of arts and
3) provide a vibrant and interactive setting that connects with the people of Matera and Tétouan.
These activities could take place, among others, in the following locations in Matera* :
- Sassi e Centro Storico [Downtown]
- Casa Cava [indoor]
- Chiesa di S. Maria De Armenis [indoor]
- Ex Convento di S. Lucia e Agata a Porta Pistola spazio interno ed esterno [indoor & outdoor]
- Giardino del silenzio, esterno [outdoor]
- Periferie [Outskirts]
- Il Circo, sala Pasolini [indoor]
- Teatro Quaroni [indoor]
These activities could take place, among others, in the following locations in Tétouan*:
- Théâtre Español
- Cinéma Español (Avenida)
- Instituto Cervantes
- Institut Français
Municipality of Tetouan venues:
- Municipal libraries (6 libraries)
- La grande salle Aztoût
- L’Espace Citoyenneté
- Centre d’Art Moderne
- Maison de la Culture
- Dar Torris
(*): These venues are suggested by ALF following coordination with the Municipalities of Matera and Tétouan. However, applicants remain free to identify alternative sites, subject to agreement with local administrations.
Types of cultural and intercultural activities could include, but not limited to: Live performances such as dance, theatre, activities reflecting cultural heritage (crafts, food, storytelling), visual art installations with interactive components, sensory experiences (interactive sounds or tactile art) or collaborative art activities.
A glimpse from the previous edition of the Intercultural Activities in MCCD Call: Spain’s cultural performance in Alexandria, 2025.
Call for participation open until 4 April 2026 (23:59 Central European Time, CET)
Interested intercultural entities or equivalent of the 43 countries of the Euro-Mediterranean region (Albania, Algeria, Austria, Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Egypt, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Jordan, Latvia, Lebanon, Libya, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Mauritania, Monaco, Montenegro, Morocco, North Macedonia, Palestine, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovak Republic, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Syria, The Netherlands, Tunisia and Türkiye) are invited to submit their proposals (in English, French or Arabic) before 4 April at 23:59 CET via the online application form only.
The same entity may not submit more than one application to this call.
How to prepare an application in three steps
- Reach an agreement in principle with a local partner based in Matera or Tétouan and, if the applicant is from Matera or Tétouan, with the local administration.
- Settle on a date and a venue where the proposed intercultural activity would take place
- Complete the application form, providing an outline of your idea and the value you aim to bring
Important note: As this is a call for creative proposals, there is room/flexibility for adjustments and refinements. The ALF Secretariat may request modifications to the applications received prior to final selection and implementation. These adjustments could include budget revisions, changes in the activities’ location or content focus amendments to ensure the best use of available resources and maximise its impact. Shortlisted intercultural entities or equivalent have the right to decide whether to proceed with the proposed adjustments or withdraw their applications.
Tasks to be coordinated by the shortlisted lead organisations
Conclude a written agreement (contract/MoU/agreement/support letter) with with a local partner based in Matera or Tétouan and, if the applicant is from Matera or Tétouan, with a local administration defining roles and responsibilities (this is a pre-requisite for initiating any payment procedure)
Sign the contract with ALF in which obligations and outputs to be delivered will be described, in line with the detail below
Carry out the proposed intercultural activity (non-profit-no ticket sales) ensuring the visibility of the ALF and the EU
Provide at least five professional photos capturing the audience, the event and its impact
Submit proof of attendance for the implementors of the intercultural activity**
Produce and publish a short video on Instagram and/or Facebook showcasing highlights of the intercultural activity**
Submit a brief lesson learned report**
Actively participate in the online meetings organized by the ALF Secretariat
(**): The ALF Secretariat will provide the guidelines and related documents regarding the above deliverables
Funding Categories
Applications should be complete and comprehensive and provide a detailed breakdown of how the funds will be used (venues, equipment, materials, fees, local transportation, main meals, international travel, accommodation and other necessary elements to carry out the proposed activity), ensuring all elements are covered.
It is strongly recommended that each applicant cover part of the costs of the proposed activity with their own means or through the local partner/administration. This will not only generate a leverage effect on available resources but will also contribute to increasing the number of beneficiaries.
The selected applications will receive a lump sum to cover the costs of implementing the proposed activities. Funding will be provided according to the following categories:
Small scale: Up to 2.500 euro (covering a maximum of three individuals)
Medium scale: Between 2.500 and 5.000 euro (covering a minimum of three to a maximum of five individuals)
Payment modalities
For small scale category: No pre-financing payments are foreseen. The final allocation will be released as soon as the proposed activity took place, upon receipt and approval of the deliverables defined in the contract. Upon request, a pre-financing equivalent to 60% of the final allocation may be issued. In those cases, the lead entity will assume the estimated cost of the bank transfers, which amount to 120 euro and will be deducted from the final allocation.
For medium scale category: 60% of the final allocation will be released upon submission of the agreement in writing with a local partner based in Matera or Tétouan and, if the applicant is from Matera/Tétouan, with a local administration and signature of the contract; 40% will be released after the implementation of the proposed activity, upon receipt and approval of the deliverables defined in the contract detailed above.
A glimpse from the previous edition of the Intercultural Activities in MCCD Call: Spain’s cultural performance in Alexandria, 2025.
Selection criteria
Selection criteria will be based on the quality of the applications received in terms of impact. Priority will be given to intercultural entities or equivalent that are members of the ALF Network. A gender, youth and geographical balance between regions and countries as well as the diversity of cultural backgrounds will be observed.
Given the anticipated high volume of applications, the limited resources available, and the aim of ensuring a diverse range of beneficiaries, priority will be given to organisations that did not receive funding under the previous Cultural and Intercultural calls launched in 2024, 2025, and beginning of 2026.
The evaluation process will consider the following key elements:
- Cost effectiveness (30%): The extent to which the proposed activity demonstrates strong impact and audience engagement while remaining feasible and proportionate in its logistical and financial requirements.
- Credentials (25%): Relevant competencies and professional experience of the leading entities or individuals, including a track record in implementing similar intercultural dialogue activities.
- Interaction (20%): Proposals that foster collaborative and engaging experiences, encouraging meaningful interactions with the audience
- Dissemination plan (15%): Elements necessary to make the proposed cultural and intercultural activity visible at the local level
- Sustainability (10%): Proposals that consider environmental aspects in the design, materials or implementation of the activity.
Indicative Timeline***
05/03/2026 Launch of the call
17/03/2026 Online information session through this link
04/04/2026 Deadline to receive submitted applications
1st week of May Publication of the selection results
June-August 2026 Period of implementation of the selected applications
Please note: The above timeline is indicative and may be subject to slight adjustments depending on the number of applications received and the overall evaluation process. The ALF will make every effort to follow the proposed schedule while ensuring a fair and comprehensive selection process.
(***): Following the publication of the selection results, an online meeting will be organised with the selected leading entities to share approaches and coordinate the different activities. After their implementation, another online meeting will be held to conduct an ex-post evaluation of the different components of the call.
Background
The ALF, was created in 2005 as a Euro-Mediterranean intergovernmental organisation based in Alexandria. The ALF, inspired by Anna Lindh’s legacy, is committed to fostering intercultural dialogue within its mission of nurturing inclusive societies where diversity is celebrated and everyone’s voice is valued. By promoting peace, justice, and strong partnerships, the ALF strives to create a world where people from diverse backgrounds live in harmony through open and meaningful intercultural exchanges.
ALF brings together organisations, institutions, policy makers, and other change makers from all Euro-Med countries to open a dialogue and cooperate. People meet, learn, and collaborate, through the Foundation’s different Programmes and initiatives in different fields to empower them to create a chain of positive change that touches more lives and communities. Its action is grounded on the two main ALF bodies: Its National Civil Society Networks, with more than 4.500 members, and the 43 States of its Board of Governors.
Framework and financial allocation
This call is being developed within the framework of the EU Grant Phase VII in accordance with the ALF Multiannual Work Programme 2025-2028. The total indicative amount allocated to this call is 30.000 euro.
The ALF reserves the right to award the contracts subject to the availability of the funds.