Rationale

Art has been central to the shaping of European identity and values. By inspiring philosophical and political ideas, art remains a cornerstone of Europe’s legacy. In modern society, art can foster progress by challenging authority, questioning traditions, and exploring issues of social justice and identity. It can be instrumental in promoting unity in diversity and dialogue, and advancing democracy, human rights, and cultural collaboration.

Despite its importance, there is concern that art's space in society may shrink due to factors like shifts in funding priorities, evolving educational frameworks, and rising real estate costs. Changing political and social dynamics could also influence artistic expression, limiting freedom in some forms of art. Ultimately, there is serious risk that art may be perceived as a luxury or secondary to other fields. These challenges highlight the need for continued support for artists and cultural actors, ensuring they can contribute to societal progress and uphold European values of democracy, diversity, inclusion, and human rights.

The Context

Every year the European Union Delegation to Albania, celebrates Europe Day and the historic Schuman Declaration of 1950, which laid the foundation for the EU. Through diverse events and activities, Europe Week promotes EU values, engages citizens, and highlights the EU's achievements. Cultural showcases, workshops, and educational initiatives foster unity in diversity, raise awareness about the EU, and inspire participation, particularly among young people. Emphasizing democracy, human rights, and sustainability, it strengthens partnerships and highlights the EU’s commitment to shared progress.

The Scope

Europe Week 2025 wants to provide a space for Albanian artists to amplify their voices and contribute to shaping a future rooted in the values. A space to express, a space to be heard, a space to be seen, a space to be embraced, a space to be free, a space to connect, a space to belong, a space to create—a truly European space.

Through a series of artistic events encompassing various disciplines, the week aims to foster art production, performance, and community engagement, inspiring and connecting local communities throughout Albania. These events should showcase art’s vital role in advancing Europe’s cultural and social vision.

For this reason, the European Union Delegation to Albania invites Albanian artists and cultural actors to become part of this year's Europe Week programme by submitting proposals for artistic creations in various disciplines. These proposals should authentically reflect the aspirations of Albanian people for EU integration and their vision of what the EU stands for, celebrating the diverse perspectives and creative expressions that showcase Albanians as an integral part of Europe.

Supported performances

This call aims to support up to eight artistic performances, culminating in the organisation of the following events:

1. Theatre performances 

Theatre performances should be scheduled to tour in up to three cities, including Tirana.

2. Live music performances

Classical, contemporary or alternative.

Music performances should be scheduled to tour in up to three cities, including Tirana.

3. Visual or conceptual art exhibitions

Exhibitions should be scheduled to stay open at least for the whole duration of Europe Week.

4. Contemporary dance performances

Contemporary dance performances should be scheduled to tour in up to three cities, including Tirana.

5. Cross-disciplinary art exhibitions or performances

Cross–disciplinary performances should be scheduled to tour in up to three cities, including Tirana, or scheduled to be exhibited at least for the whole duration of Europe Week.

Implementation

Selected productions are required to start implementation from 10 March 2025 and must be performed during Europe Week, scheduled between 19 - 31 May 2025.

Event dates

By participating in the Europe Week programme, applicants acknowledge and agree that the final event dates will be determined by the Europe Week organisers based on programming requirements.

Event sites and venues

The geographic distribution of events and activities is strongly encouraged. Performance events, including theatre productions, contemporary dance performances, and musical concerts, are recommended to take place in state-owned theatres or auditoriums. Art exhibitions may be hosted in non-profit cultural art spaces.

Where project content requires, outdoor venues such as cultural heritage sites may also be considered, provided that environmental factors—such as weather, noise, and lighting—do not compromise the quality of the event.

Applicants must propose suitable performance venues as part of their application. However, final venue confirmation is subject to the approval of the Europe Week organisers during the project implementation phase.

The organisers of Europe Week are committed to providing support to artists in securing their proposed venues when necessary.

Event branding and communication

Each event will be branded in alignment with the Europe Week visual identity, as developed by the Europe Week creative team. Artists may be requested to provide inputs such as photographs, sketches, drawings, or other artworks to support this process.

Social media communication regarding the events must be coordinated exclusively with the Europe Week social media team to ensure consistency and adherence to branding guidelines.

Budget, rules and eligibility

• Maximum budget per project should not exceed: 12.000 EUR
• The budget should encompass artist fees, logistical and materials costs, equipment rentals, and venue expenses. No equipment can be purchased under the contract.
• The financial support provided is not a grant; instead, Europe Week organizers will directly cover performances expenses and member fees as outlined in the proposed budget lines.
• Each performance team member will be engaged through a separate contract as an independent contractor issued by the Europe Week organizers. The contract will cover their fees specifically as well as their tasks as per the proposal.
• Performance team members will be responsible for managing their own national insurance, social security contributions and tax obligations, including the applicable 15% income tax.
• Any expenses involving third parties must be invoiced directly to the Europe Week organizers.
• Kindly note that prepayments cannot be accommodated.
• Proposals that are co-financed are not eligible for selection.
• Budget lines for communication, social media, advertising, and graphic design will not be accepted.

Questions

Questions may be submitted via email by 17 February 2025. All inquiries will receive a collective response by 21 February 2025.

Application documents

Please submit the following documents in PDF format

• Application Form.docx
• Artist portfolios/CVs

All documents must be in English.

The total size of the submitted files must not exceed the specified limit of 20 MB.

Submission

Applications are to be submitted exclusively via email no later than 3 March 2025. 

Evaluation and selection

Proposals will be evaluated based on the following criteria:

Concept of the proposal: 40%

Proposals will be evaluated on clarity, originality, and alignment with the programme’s goals. A strong concept will demonstrate innovation, relevance to the theme, and feasibility within the proposed timeline and resources. The geographic distribution of the performances will also be encouraged as initiatives that engage diverse audiences.

Human resources and artistic portfolio: 40%

The artistic background, style, and body of work of the team will be assessed. The selection will focus on how well the team’s artistic vision and previous work support the proposal’s goals and feasibility.

Budget: 20%

The budget should be realistic, well-structured, and demonstrate efficient use of resources. Proposals will be evaluated on the ability to achieve objectives within the given financial limits.

Successful proposals will be selected by the EU Delegation. The evaluation process might include negotiations with candidates. All applicants will be informed of the results via email, and the selected proposals will be announced on the EU Delegation’s social media channels by 7 March 2025.

Applicants may send selection appeals by email no later than 5 days after the selection results are communicated.

Contact

The following email address will be used for all communications, including submissions and inquiries.

[email protected]