UNESCO-Aschberg Programme 2026 for Artists and Cultural Professionals

The UNESCO-Aschberg Programme 2026 supports initiatives that protect and promote the status of artists and artistic freedom worldwide. Led by UNESCO, the programme provides technical and financial support to governments, public institutions, and civil society organisations working to strengthen artists’ rights under international law.

Artists and cultural professionals play a vital role in social dialogue, cultural diversity, and democratic expression. The UNESCO-Aschberg Programme strengthens legal frameworks, institutional capacity, and grassroots initiatives that ensure artists can work safely, freely, and sustainably across the world.

The programme focuses on advancing artistic freedom as a fundamental human right, including the freedom to create without censorship, fair remuneration for artistic work, freedom of movement and association, and access to social and economic protections for artists and cultural professionals.

Focus Areas

Supported initiatives may address challenges affecting artists and cultural workers, including:

• Training and lifelong learning opportunities
• Social protection and decent working conditions
• Fair pay and appropriate taxation systems
• Mobility of artists and cultural professionals
• Protection of artistic expression
• Access to cultural life for all

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Programme Tracks

Track 1: Governments and Public Institutions

This track provides expert-led technical assistance to help revise or develop laws, policies, and regulations that promote artistic freedom and improve the status of artists.

Eligible applicants include:

• National ministries (Culture, Labour, Finance, Social Affairs, Communication, Tourism, etc.)
• National arts councils and cultural agencies
• Parliamentary bodies and thematic committees

Funding:

Applicants may request up to USD 30,000 to support implementation logistics such as consultations, workshops, capacity-building activities, and communication efforts.

Track 2: Civil Society Organisations

This track offers financial support to civil society-led projects that promote artistic freedom and the professional, social, and economic rights of artists at local, national, regional, or international levels.

Eligible projects may include:

• Capacity-building and training programs
• Advocacy, monitoring, and research initiatives
• Development of tools and cultural resources
• Emergency support for artists, including relocation, residencies, or safe spaces

Funding:

Organisations may request up to USD 50,000 for project implementation.

Application Deadline

The deadline for submission for the UNESCO-Aschberg Programme is 23 February 2026 (23:59 UTC+1).

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