Call for Proposals: Unite Cultures through Interactive and Cultural Activities at the ALForum 2025
About the Forum
The ALForum 2025 will bring together around 1,000 participants including civil society and academic entities, young leaders, media outlets, influential figures, governments and institutions representatives, policymakers and other relevant stakeholders from 43 countries across the Euro Mediterranean region. Together, we will share ideas, co-create actionable solutions, and engage in transformative discussions in the field of intercultural dialogue.
The ALForum 2025 is structured around three core dimensions inspired by our slogan:
“Inspiring Knowledge, Driving Action, Uniting Cultures”
What Are We Looking For?
We are seeking creative artists and cultural groups or entities capable of designing and implementing one of two types of interactive/cultural activities that will take place during the Forum:
A. Networking Activities
Selected creative artists and cultural groups or entities will be asked to implement networking activities that will take place in indoor spaces between parallel sessions of the Forum. The ALF Secretariat will assign a specific location to carry out at least one 30-minute networking activity on each of the three days of the Forum. The goal of these activities is to create interactive experiences that encourage meaningful interactions to promote cross-cultural dialogue among participants from diverse backgrounds. They should be easily adopted to accommodate a significant number of ALForum participants.
Types of networking activities could be, but not limited to: Speed networking, interactive icebreakers, networking matching, interactive walls/boards, collaborative paintings/designs, other types of collaborative activities or creative performances. The indoor spaces could be common areas of the National Theatre of Opera and Ballet of Albania, the Tirana International Hotel & Conference Centre or the Pyramid of Tirana.
B. Cultural Activities
Selected creative artists and cultural groups or entities will be asked to implement cultural activities that will take place outdoor in an open space that is accessible to the general public and the Forum participants. The goal of these activities is to celebrate the Euro-Mediterranean region’s cultural diversity, highlighting the transformative power of arts and culture. The ALF Secretariat will assign a specific location to carry out at least one 60-minute cultural activity on each of the three days of the Forum. We are seeking proposals for activities that:
- Showcase the rich cultural heritage and promote a sense of unity through different forms of arts
- Demonstrate the power of culture as a tool for social inclusion
- Provide a vibrant and interactive setting that bridges/connects the Forum participants with Tirana’s local community
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. They will take place mainly in the area of Skanderbeg Square near the Opera House and the Hotel.
Who Can Apply?
Creative artists, cultural entities and groups experienced in organising networking and/or cultural activities. We are particularly looking for those who are passionate about showcasing the diversity of the Euro-Mediterranean region through creative and interactive experiences that create a sense of unity.
Why Should You Apply?
Showcase your creativity to a large, diverse, and engaged audience, enhancing your professional profile and exposure
Build relationships with a wide variety of leading stakeholders from different countries across the region, expanding your network beyond your usual circles
Contribute to shaping the cultural and interactive experience of around 1,000 participants
Attend and participate in the plenary and parallel sessions during the three days of the ALForum
ALF will cover travel costs, accommodation and main meals for the accepted creative artists and cultural groups or entities for the entire duration of the ALForum and the means necessary to carry out the selected activities. (To know more about this, please read the section below)
How It Works: Proposal Selection
To organise an activity, you need to:
- Choose the type of activities you are proposing (Networking/indoor or Cultural/outdoor)
- Check the venues of the Forum to gain insights that could inspire your activity’s design and execution
- Complete the proposal form, providing an outline of your idea and the value you aim to bring
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.
All creative proposals are welcome and we are excited to see the diverse ideas that will be submitted. However, please note that in collaboration with our local institutional partners, the ALForum will already host several musical performances. As a result, only a very limited number of musical performances can be selected.
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 or 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 (35%)
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 (10%)
Proposals that consider environmental sustainability in their materials.
Euro-Mediterranean Focus (5%)
Activities emphasising cross-cultural understanding and unity in the Euro-Mediterranean region.
Moreover, proposals integrating any of the ALForum key focus areas will be given particular consideration:
Peacebuilding, Conflict Resolution/Prevention, Coexistence, and Inclusive Dynamics
Disinformation and Misinformation in the Euro-Mediterranean Region
Living Together: Promoting Tolerance and Understanding
Youth Engagement in Participatory Dialogues and Decision-Making Processes
Ethics and Governance of Artificial Intelligence Technologies
Social Innovation as a Catalyst for Inclusion in Culturally Diverse Societies
Empowering Women to Challenge Gender Stereotypes and Beyond
Integrating Social Dimensions in Climate Change Policies
International Cultural Relations and Cultural Diplomacy
Creative Industries and Art
Funding Categories
The selected proposals will be awarded a lump sum amount to cover the costs of implementing the proposed activities. 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)
Proposals should be complete and comprehensive and provide a detailed breakdown of the proposed costs, including international travel, accommodation, meals, artist fees, materials, and other necessary expenses. The budget should clearly show how the funds will be used to support the implementation of the proposed activities, ensuring all elements are covered.
Indicative Timeline
26/02/25 Launch of the call
10/03/25 Online information session (details will be published on the ALF website)
30/03/25 Deadline to receive submitted applications
27/04/25 Publication of the selection results
18-20/06/25 ALForum 2025 Tirana
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.
In case of technical assistance or questions related to the call, please send your questions to alf.forum@alfsecretariat.org
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.