UCF Artistic Debuts: UAH 250,000 to 715,000 for young artists

The Ukrainian Cultural Foundation (UCF), in partnership with Cultural Vistas gGmbH and co-funded by the European Union under the Creative Europe programme, has launched the Artistic Debuts grant competition. This call forms Lot 3 of the broader Cultural Horizons programme, designed to provide systemic support, development, and integration into the European cultural space for the Ukrainian cultural sector amidst wartime challenges.

The competition offers individual project funding ranging from UAH 250,000 to UAH 715,000 (approximately EUR 5,000 to EUR 14,000), drawn from a total allocated budget of UAH 18,000,000 (EUR 350,000). The submission deadline is set for 5 October 2026 at 18:00 Kyiv time.

What is funded

The Artistic Debuts call finances projects that serve as debut platforms for emerging artists and recent graduates of arts education institutions. Supported initiatives include debut exhibitions, stage performances, publications, audio recordings, screenings, and cross-sectoral cultural initiatives.

Eligible sectors comprise visual arts, performing and stage arts, audio arts, audiovisual arts, literature, cultural heritage, as well as broader cultural and creative industries. Special priority is given to experimental approaches, new forms of artistic expression, multidisciplinary projects, and products developed via international partnerships with entities from EU member states.

Activities must also reflect EU horizontal priorities, which include digital transformation, sustainable development and environmental responsibility, as well as inclusion and gender equality.

Who can apply

The call is open to individuals and legal entities registered in Ukraine in accordance with UCF competitive guidelines, including non-governmental organizations. It directly targets graduates of formal arts education institutions, such as arts universities, academies, and relevant faculties, helping them establish themselves in the professional cultural field.

The competition also supports formal and non-formal cultural education institutions, such as creative studios, art schools, workshops, and cultural-educational centres that foster early-career talent. Special attention is directed towards creators who remain active within Ukraine, internally displaced persons, veterans, persons with disabilities, and individuals directly affected by the war.

Conditions and requirements

Projects must be structured around the direct and substantial involvement of young artists as primary creators, authors, co-authors, performers, or core creative team members. The resulting cultural product must facilitate the integration of debutants into professional networks and contemporary cultural practices in Ukraine.

Practical tip. Ensure that your project design explicitly outlines the direct creative role of early-career artists and connects to EU horizontal priorities, such as digital tools or accessibility measures, as expert evaluators closely score the involvement of debutants and broader social impact.

Grant amounts are fixed within the range of UAH 250,000 to UAH 715,000 per project. These minimum and maximum thresholds cannot be adjusted or exceeded in project proposals.

How to apply

Applications must be prepared and submitted online via the official UCF electronic portal. Applicants are required to create a user profile or log in to an existing account to access the submission interface for Lot 3 Artistic Debuts.

All required forms, project descriptions, and budget breakdowns must be fully completed and uploaded through the system prior to the stated deadline of 5 October 2026, 18:00. Applicants can address inquiries to UCF specialists using the built-in feedback and FAQ tools in the applicant portal.

Applications are submitted on the donor’s page: ucf.in.ua.