The applications were evaluated by an expert group consisting of like-minded members from different fields of expertise in art and culture. Bente Andersen, chair of the expert group meeting, explains how the group was fairly unanimous in this year’s round, fostering a sense of security and trust.
Young people more involved in projects
An important dimension of the Volt programme is that young people up to the age of 25 are given opportunities for creation, participation, and empowerment. According to Bente, the applications evidenced this to a greater extent than before.
“One change we’ve seen is that young people, from very young children to young adults, are now more involved in the projects. This is true of both the project’s activities and its decision-making processes, which is really positive,” says Bente.
The projects granted funding vary in size, involving young children right up to young adults. Topics covered include interactive approaches to art, culture, and language exchange.
Tips for applicants
Bente stresses the importance of being clear in the application and says that it can sometimes be better to wait and refine your application.
“My advice to applicants, although I know it can be difficult, is to try to be as specific as possible in your application. What do you want funding for? Why are you pursuing this project? What will you do with the funding? Where will the project take place and who is the project for?”
Examples of projects that have been granted funding:
- The Koja/Maja/Hut project has been designed and built by children. At the heart of the project is creative storytelling, whereby children from different cultural and ethnic backgrounds are exposed to different forms of art and culture that inspire them to create their own stories using different techniques and methods.
- NORDLYD (Nordic Orchestra Rhythm Dance Learning Youth Diversity) is a project that brings together students from Denmark, Iceland, Norway, and Greenland to enhance their intercultural skills, cultural awareness, and creative skills. The focus of the project is on cultural exchange through music and dance, while celebrating shared and unique Nordic traditions by way of collaborative workshops.
- The Festival of Imaginary Creatures / Festivalen för Fantastiska Varelser is a multidisciplinary children’s festival that celebrates artistic forms of storytelling from across the Nordic Region. Invited artists and creators specialising in storytelling offer performances and workshops in which children can explore and create using various artistic methods.
The exact application window for the 2026 round of Volt will be announced on our website this autumn.