Globus FORWARD

Globus FORWARD is a funding program administered by the Nordic Culture Fund, aimed at strengthening the long-term capacities of artistic and cultural collaborations that span transnational contexts. The Nordic Culture Fund has developed this initiative as part of its broader efforts to support cross-border collaboration and creative exploration across the Nordic region and beyond. Globus FORWARD builds upon the experiences of earlier phases of the Globus initiative, reflecting a more trust-based and adaptive funding approach that aligns with the Fund’s commitment to fostering sustainable artistic ecosystems. The primary objective of Globus FORWARD is to assist collaborations that have evolved beyond their initial stages and seek to deepen their operational strategies, structures, and cultural impact. The program is not intended for one-time or short-term projects; instead, it targets collaborative efforts that are experimental in nature, rooted in local contexts, and seeking sustainable growth. These collaborations may involve artistic collectives, platforms, networks, or other creative constellations that operate across transnational boundaries, particularly those that include connections between the Nordic countries and other parts of the world. Applications for the 2025 funding cycle are accepted from June 12 to September 11, 2025, with a pre-application period open from June 19 to August 2, 2025. New applicants who have not previously received Globus funding are encouraged to submit a pre-application to confirm eligibility before preparing a full proposal. Submissions must be made through the Fund's digital application system, and all application materials must be in English. The maximum grant amount available per project is DKK 500,000, and the grant period may extend up to two years following the year of award. Successful applicants will be expected to implement development plans that focus on one or more core operational areas. These may include clarifying organizational roles, advancing communication and advocacy strategies, embedding learning and monitoring systems, addressing sustainability and financial planning, improving digital and physical security practices, and enhancing inclusivity and equity. Grants may fund targeted activities such as expert consultations, material costs, and other support initiatives. There is no co-financing requirement, but grantees are encouraged to use the funding period to strengthen long-term economic sustainability. The application process is competitive and evaluated by external experts and the Fund’s secretariat. Evaluation criteria include the stage and aims of the collaboration, relevance to the Globus objectives, the applicant's capacity to manage and implement the development plan, and the potential for long-term impact. Proposals should include a clearly articulated motivation, a timeline, a detailed budget, and a description of planned activities. Organizations must be anchored in artistic and/or cultural milieus and demonstrate a clear need for development. The fund does not support the establishment of new collaborations or individual projects lacking broader collaborative goals. In addition to financial support, the Fund may offer optional peer-networking activities to support capacity-building across the cohort of grantees. The first such activities for selected 2024 initiatives are expected to occur in spring 2025. Grant awards and recipient information are published on the Fund’s website and annual report. Public access regulations ensure transparency of application listings without disclosing full application content. For questions or assistance, applicants are advised to contact the Fund’s secretariat at kulturfonden@norden.org or by phone at +45 33 96 02 42.

New applicants are encouraged to submit a pre-application between June 19 and August 2 to verify eligibility.