The Nordic Culture Fund has officially opened its Opstart program to provide vital investment for the initial phases of artistic and cultural projects.
This initiative is designed to support the development of new, promising ideas that aim to strengthen Nordic ambitions and cooperation.
Opstart acts as a springboard for collaborative ventures, helping creators transform raw concepts into concrete plans.
By targeting the “start-up” phase of creativity, the Nordic Culture Fund helps build a stronger foundation for projects that will eventually reach a wider audience across the region.
A core requirement for any proposal is a concrete ambition to foster cooperation across the Nordic countries.
At least two partners from two different Nordic regions—including Denmark, Finland, the Faroe Islands, Greenland, Iceland, Norway, Sweden, or Åland—must have confirmed their participation before an application is submitted.
Funding and benefits
Successful applicants can receive a grant of up to DKK 25,000 (approximately $4,000) to cover early-stage developmental costs.
Notably, there is no requirement for co-financing, making this an accessible entry point for smaller groups or independent creators who lack immediate capital.
These funds are typically used to cover travel and subsistence expenses for development meetings within the Nordic region.
While the Nordic Culture Fund grant covers various costs, a maximum of 50% of the requested amount can be allocated toward professional fees for project participants.
Beyond the financial injection, the program offers a rapid turnaround, with applicants typically receiving a response within 30 working days.
This allows projects to maintain momentum and move quickly from the drawing board to the initial implementation phase.
Application requirements and eligibility
The program is highly inclusive, welcoming applications from individuals, groups, institutions, associations, or companies.
Interestingly, you do not need to be a resident or a national of the Nordic region to apply, provided your project has a clear Nordic relevance and a global vision.
However, the Fund maintains strict boundaries; Opstart does not support projects focused on journalism, social sciences, sporting events, or technological innovation.
Additionally, the program is not intended for fully developed projects, which are encouraged to apply for the Fund’s larger Project Funding stream instead.
Applications are evaluated based on their artistic content and the level of mutual value created for all partners involved.
The selection committee also scrutinizes the budget to ensure it is realistic and specifically reflects the project’s Nordic collaborative ambitions.
Deadline
While Opstart generally operates with a rolling application deadline, the current window for submissions is open from January 26 to May 22, 2026.
All applications must be submitted electronically via the Fund’s official portal to be considered for review.
Visit Nordic Culture Fund call page to apply. Explore our global opportunities page for more.
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