FAQ - Culture and art programme

What does "development dimension" of a project mean?

The principal objective of the Culture and Art Programme is development. In the programme the concept of development means new interpretations, renewal and innovation of methods and forms of presentation.

What does "communication dimension" of a project mean?

The programmes give a strong importance to development that takes place through communication. In this context communication means both information directed at audiences and exchange of experience between cultural operators.

My project includes many different kinds of elements. Should I send an application to both modules or can I present my whole project in one application? How do I decide which module to apply to?

Many of the large-scale projects for which support is applied are made up of several elements and can in part meet with the criteria of both modules. You yourself know your project best, and you will hopefully read the criteria of both modules with care. You can apply for support from both modules for a same project, or you can decide to apply to only one of the modules. Choose the module with the best suited criteria for your project. The experts are well-experienced in reading applications, and what matters the most is the quality of your project.

Should all my Nordic partners in cooperation be in place when I apply for funding?

The experts attach great significance to the Nordic dimension of the projects. If all your partners are not in place when you fill in your application, it is important that you include the information on who will take part in the project and in which ways. See the section below on changes in the project.

Can I apply for funding for a project which has already begun?

The Culture and Art Programme does not grant funding for projects which have already begun and are tied to financial obligations.

The Culture and Art Programme supports pre-projects, pilot projects and projects. Can I apply for support for a project directly, or do I have to proceed through a pre-project and pilot project first?

You can apply for support for a project directly. Bear in mind, however, that support for a pre-project or a pilot project doesn't mean you will automatically receive support for a project.

It is stated in the criteria that Nordic Culture Point does not support recurring projects and activities. What about, for example, festivals?

Support is not granted for festivals. Support can be granted for projects and activities that are part of a festival, if they meet with the programme's criteria as to the development and communication dimensions, are innovative, present new interpretations and involve the Northern dimension.

Can I receive support for a project that has commercial potential?

You can not receive support for a project with the purpose of creating an economic advantage for the grant recipient. If the terms of contract are not complied with, Nordic Culture Point can demand that the granted support be refunded in part or in full.

What is meant with in-kind financing?

In-kind financing is paid or given to the project in goods, commodities, or services instead of money. This can be for example volunteer work.

In-kind financing can be counted as part of the project financing. The estimated working time must be specified in the application budget. The amount should be reasonable for carrying out the project.

What are considered as administrative expenses?

The programme can grant funding for the applicant's own administrative and wage expenses providing they have a direct connection to the project and are necessary for its implementation.

If I have to make changes in my project, what do I do?

If you have to make changes in your project budget or in the content or extent of your project, you have to get approval from Nordic Culture Point before carrying them out. Inform Nordic Culture Point about the changes by e-mail and we will reply to your inquiry as soon as possible.

Can I find out before the letters of decision have been sent out whether my project has received funding or not?

No. All the decisions are made by the experts, and the letters of decision are sent simultaneously to all the applicants.

What is the difference between the Nordic Culture Point and the Nordic Culture Fund?

Both institutions grant funding for Nordic culture projects and their programs have very similar goals. They differ however in their organization forms and decision process.

The Nordic Culture Point administers the Nordic Council of Ministers' cultural programs. The funding comes from Nordic Council of Ministers, but the decisions on the grants are made by a group of experts from all the Nordic countries.

The Nordic Culture Fund began its activities in 1967 and is fundamentally defined by an agreement between the Nordic countries. As the Nordic Culture Point it is funded by the Nordic Council of Ministers. A governing board of the Nordic Culture Fund consists of members appointed both by the Nordic Council and the Nordic Council of Ministers. The grant decisions are made by the board based on recommendations by a Nordic expert from a relevant field and the Fund's secretariat.

Can I apply support for my project both from the Nordic Culture Point and the Nordic Culture Fund?

Yes, you can. The general goals and the application criteria are very similar, and it is often possible to apply for the same project from both support systems. It is important to study the assessment criteria carefully in order to judge which programme is most appropriate for your project.

The Nordic Culture Point and the Nordic Culture Fund share information about the applications that have applied for support through both institutions. The amount granted by both institutions is also controlled and it is not possible to get full financing for the project from the Nordic funds. We therefore encourage applicants to apply for funding from other sources as well.