The final network funding allocation of the year amounted to EUR 172,700, split between ten projects. A total of 63 applications were submitted, requesting more than EUR 1 million between them. Katarina Lindholm notes that many applications focused on collaborations aimed at developing skills and knowledge to facilitate entry into a turbulent labour market.
“Several applications also extended beyond traditional art disciplines, though they maintained a clear connection to art and culture. We received applications ranging from academic projects and research initiatives to projects on cultural policy and lobbying – all welcome contributions,” Lindholm says.
Does not replace basic funding
With many high-quality applications submitted, Lindholm explains that the discussions of the expert group centred around which sectors or communities most needed the funding and the long-term impact of the networks.
“We believed it was important to support networks addressing the current uncertainty in the field. For instance, we decided to fund a project focusing on securing individual artists’ rights in the region rather than supporting new initiatives within already established international networks,” Lindholm says.
The expert group also notes that the applications reflect the field’s need for basic funding.
“It’s easy to find strong projects among the applications that deserve support, but to meet the criteria for network funding, a clear plan is needed for the network’s development, how the work will be communicated, and what ripple effects the project might generate over time,” Lindholm points out.
Examples of projects granted funding
Among the projects granted funding were:
Hot Type Network received funding to retain typesetting machines and the intangible heritage related to typesetting. These machines revolutionised printing and played a crucial role in global literacy, news dissemination, and freedom of expression. The network will pass on knowledge to younger generations through workshops and online meetings.
Baltic-Nordic Artists and Art Workers Initiatives works to promote dialogue between initiatives addressing precarious material, and social and political conditions for artists and art workers in the Baltic and Nordic countries.
WIFT-tech is a network aimed at strengthening, supporting, inspiring, and celebrating women, transgender people, non-binary individuals, and those with fluid gender identities working with cameras and lighting.
See all those granted funding in this round here
The next application round for Network funding opens on 10 January 2025.