AGORALF 2026 CALL FOR INTERACTIVE AND CULTURAL ACTIVITIES
APRIL 27-28, Limassol, Cyprus
From People to People…From Cultures to Connections
Call for Proposals: Unite Cultures through networking and cultural and artistic activities at AgorALF 2026
From ALForum to AgorALF: Keeping the Momentum
ALForum 2025 was a defining milestone for the ALF, bringing together 800 participants and hosting 105 parallel and cultural sessions and 29 networking and artistic activities. Hundreds of civil society actors, youth, cultural practitioners, artists, institutions, and networks came together, not only to listen, but to speak, create, challenge, and connect.
What became clear is that what was created at ALForum cannot and should not remain limited to one moment in time. The Forum provided a clear picture of the needs, questions, and potential of a people-centred, culture-driven Mediterranean space. It generated momentum, yes, but it also helped shape a broader conversation on the future of Euro-Mediterranean cooperation that resulted in reflections and recommendations, that some were later consolidated in ALF’s contribution to the Pact for the Mediterranean.
The ALForum was originally designed as a flagship milestone taking place every 3 years, marking the end of a programme phase. Building on the success of ALForum 2025 and the high demand expressed, ALF Secretariat is now introducing AgorALF as an annual forum, smaller in scale, yet generating the same impact, offering a space for dialogue, people-to-people connections and cultural expression across the region.
In 2026 AgorALF will be held on 27 and 28 April 2026 in Limassol, Cyprus. It is expected to gather more than 400 participants committed to dialogue between cultures and civilizations from diverse backgrounds. The Creative Europe Desks, the Citizens, Equality, Rights and Values Programme, CERV, and the New European Bauhaus, NEB, National Contact Points will be invited to attend.
About this Call
The Uniting Cultures dimension focuses on creating cultural and interactive experiences across AgorALF’s venues. Through performances, workshops, session-format activities, and networking experiences, it aims to strengthen dialogue, mutual understanding, and people-to-people connection across the Euro-Mediterranean region, showing how culture can reinforce social cohesion and inclusive engagement, especially in the face of shared societal challenges.
What are we looking for?
We are seeking civil society entities, cultural groups and their affiliated creative artists capable of designing and implementing one of two types of interactive/cultural activities that will take place during AgorALF 2026.
A. Networking Activities
Civil society entities, cultural groups and their affiliated creative artists will be asked to submit proposals to implement networking activities that will take place in indoors during a designated networking time slot. The ALF Secretariat will assign a specific indoor location to carry out a 45 minute networking activity during the two days of the event. The goal of these activities is to create interactive experiences that encourage meaningful interactions to promote cross-cultural dialogue among participants from diverse backgrounds. Activities should be easy to join, inclusive, and adaptable to accommodate a significant number of participants within the allocated time slot.
Types of networking activities could include, but not limited to: Speed networking, interactive icebreakers, networking matching, interactive walls / boards, collaborative paintings / designs, or other participatory formats that encourage connection and exchange.
B. Cultural and artistic activities
Civil society entities, cultural groups and their affiliated creative artists will be asked to submit proposals to implement cultural and artistic activities that may take place indoors and/or outdoors.The activity may be designed as a performance, interactive artistic experience, workshop, or a session-format activity, depending on the proposed concept and the programme needs.
The goal of these activities is to highlight the role of arts and culture in strengthening dialogue, mutual understanding, and people-to-people connection across the Euro-Mediterranean region. Proposed activities should demonstrate how culture can contribute to social cohesion, inclusion, and shared learning, while offering meaningful and participatory experiences for the participants.
The ALF Secretariat will assign a specific location and time slot for each selected activity. Selected entities will be expected to deliver at least one cultural or artistic activity of approximately 45- 60 minutes
We are seeking proposals for activities that:
- Showcase the region’s cultural diversity and promote a sense of unity through different forms of artistic expression
- Demonstrate the role of culture as a tool for social cohesion and inclusion
- Create participatory moments that encourage interaction and connection among participants (and, where relevant, with local audiences)
Types of cultural activities could be, but not limited to: Live performances such as dance, street theatre with audience participation, activities that reflect cultural heritage (crafts, food, storytelling), visual art installations with interactive components, sensory experiences (interactive sounds or touchable art), collaborative art activities.
Who Can Apply?
Civil society entities, cultural groups and their affiliated creative artists, nationals of one of the 43 Euro-Med countries, experienced in organising networking and/or cultural artistic activities. We are particularly looking for applicants who can translate the diversity of the Euro-Mediterranean region into creative, interactive experiences that strengthen people-to-people connection and a sense of shared belonging.
What this opportunity offers
A chance to contribute to shaping the cultural experience of around 400 participants
Connecting with a diverse range of stakeholders from across the Euro-Mediterranean region
Access to attend AgorALF sessions and activities
Funding
Selected proposals will receive a lump sum amount to cover the costs required to implement the proposed activity during AgorALF in Limassol. Funding will be provided according to the following categories:
- Small Scale: Up to 3,000 euro (covering a maximum of three individuals)
- Medium Scale: Between 3,000 and 6,000 euro (covering a maximum of five individuals)
What ALF will cover?
International travel
Transfer airport-hotel & vice-versa
Accommodation
Local transportation
Meals
Artist/facilitator/implementer fees directly linked to delivering the proposed activity
Materials and production needs required to implement the proposed activity
Other essential implementation expenses clearly justified and directly linked to the activity delivery
Proposals should be complete and comprehensive and provide a detailed breakdown of the proposed costs. The budget should clearly show how the funds will be used to support the implementation of the proposed activities, ensuring all elements are covered.
How It Works: Proposal Selection
To organise an activity, you need to:
- Choose the type of activities you are proposing (Networking/indoor or Cultural/Artistic)
- Complete the proposal form, providing an outline of your idea and the value you aim to bring
- Prepare a budget proposal following the budget template and structure provided in line with the selected funding category
After all proposals are submitted, the ALF Secretariat will evaluate them based on the published criteria and select the most relevant and impactful ones.
Important Notes
Since this is a call for creative proposals, there is room/flexibility for adjustments and refinements. The ALF Secretariat may request modifications to the proposal before final selection and implementation. These adjustments could include changes to the activity’s location (e.g., moving the activity indoors instead of outdoors), budget revisions, content adjustments, etc. The ALF Secretariat may also suggest other/different creative activities to be carried out by the shortlisted creative artists and cultural groups or entities to ensure the best use of available resources and maximise its impact. Shortlisted creative artists and cultural groups or entities have the right to decide whether to proceed with the proposed adjustments or withdraw their proposals.
Selection Criteria
Selection criteria will be based on the quality of the applications received. Priority will be given to affiliated creative artists and cultural groups and entities that are members of the ALF Network. A gender, youth and geographical balance between regions and countries and diversity of cultural backgrounds will also be observed. The evaluation process will consider the following key elements for both networking and cultural activities:
Interaction (40%)
Proposals that create interactive and engaging experiences, encouraging meaningful interactions between participants.
Practicality (30%)
Cost/effectiveness: Impactful and engaging activities that are feasible to implement with minimal material requirements and logistical complexity, and that do not require a substantial mobilisation of people.
Credentials (20%)
Relevant competencies and professional experience of the artists or entities involved, with a track record of implementing similar activities in the field of intercultural dialogue.
Sustainability (5%)
Proposals that consider environmental sustainability in their materials.
Euro-Mediterranean Focus (5%)
Activities emphasising cross-cultural understanding and unity in the Euro-Mediterranean region.
The same entity may not submit more than one application to this call.
Due to the large number of applications expected, the limited resources available, and the aim of diversifying the beneficiaries, priority will be given to applications that did not receive funding under ALForum 2025, Mediterranean Day 2025, or the Mediterranean Capitals of Culture and Dialogue (MCCD) 2025.
Indicative Timeline
05/01/26 Launch of the call
15/01/26 Online information session (details will be published on the ALF website)
01/02/26 Deadline to receive submitted applications
22/02/26 Publication of the selection results
27-28/04/26 AgorALF 2026 Limassol
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.
Framework
This Programme is developed in the framework of the EU Grant NDICI-GEO-NEAR/2022/434-371 in accordance with the Anna Lindh Foundation Multiannual Work Programme 2022-2025.
Frequently Asked Questions:
How many individuals can participate per group?
The number of participants depends on the funding category:
Small Scale: Up to 3 individuals
Medium Scale: Up to 5 individuals
Can an applicant submit more than one proposal?
Ideally, each applicant should submit only one proposal. However, if you have another idea for a different activity, you may include it in the same application.
Will the activities take place just once during the ALForum?
Performances and activities will be repeated multiple times throughout the 3 days of the Forum.
Locations will carry out networking activities indoors every 30-minutes and cultural activities outdoors every 60-minutes.
In which language should the activities be conducted?
If your activity involves language use, your activity can be conducted in any of the 3 official ALF languages: English, French, Arabic.
What is meant by comprehensive budgeting?
Proposals must provide a detailed breakdown of the proposed funds used to support the implementation of the proposed activities. It should include costs for transportation, accommodation, meals, artist fees, materials needed, and other necessary expenses.
Can a 60-minutes activity be divided into multiple segments?
Yes, as long as transitions are efficient and coherent, using the same materials and artists under a unified concept.