European External Action Service

01/20/2026 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 01/20/2026 08:31

Questions and Answers: Call for Expression of Interest, Artistic production and performance as part of Europe Week 2026 programme: 'Open Space'

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Questions and Answers: Call for Expression of Interest, Artistic production and performance as part of Europe Week 2026 programme: "Open Space"

This document contains a compilation of questions and answers related to the Call for Expressions of Interest for Artistic Production and Performance as part of the Europe Week 2026 programme, A Space to Create. The questions were submitted via email to [email protected] by January 13, 2025.

Question Answer
1. General information and scope
1.1 Can you provide more detailed information about the open call, including the application process and relevant guidelines? The call aims to support original artistic productions and performances to be presented as part of the Europe Week 2026 programme.
All relevant information regarding the open call, including eligibility conditions, application procedures, selection criteria, and implementation requirements, is outlined in the Application Guidelines document published alongside the call. Applicants are encouraged to consult this document carefully before submitting their proposals. Any additional clarification requests are addressed through the dedicated Q&A procedure within the specified deadline.
1.2 What is this event about, and how can one apply? Europe Week 2026 is a programme organised by the European Union Delegation to Albania to mark Europe Day and to promote European values through a series of cultural, educational, and civic activities across the country. The programme includes an artistic component inviting artists and cultural actors to contribute original productions and performances aligned with the theme "Open Space."
Applications must be submitted exclusively via email, in accordance with the instructions and deadlines outlined in the call, and must include all required documents as specified in the Application Guidelines.
1.3 Does film or documentary production fall within the programme's guidelines, including support for completion and production upgrades for cinema screenings? Film or documentary production is not explicitly excluded if proposed within a cross-disciplinary artistic practice that aligns with the objectives and scope of the programme. All proposals are assessed on a case-by-case basis by the evaluation board, in accordance with the published scoring criteria. At the Q&A stage, it is not possible to provide opinions or comments on the eligibility or artistic merit of specific content or media.
1.4 Can previous winners of a past edition apply again in the current call? Previous winners of past Europe Week editions are not excluded from applying to the current call, provided that they comply with the eligibility conditions and application requirements set out in the Application Guidelines.
2. Applicant eligibility
2.1 Are previous winners disadvantaged in the evaluation process, either individually or as part of a collective? All proposals are evaluated on an equal basis, according to the evaluation criteria outlined in the call, regardless of prior participation or selection in earlier editions.
2.2 Is the call open to non-Albanian (including EU-based) artists, or is eligibility limited to Albanian citizens and Albanian-led productions? Non-Albanian citizens, including EU-based artists, are not excluded from applying, provided that the proposed artistic productions are fully implemented and performed in Albania. All applications are assessed on a case-by-case basis in accordance with the published evaluation criteria. In particular, the assessment of the proposal's concept and human resources will consider its relevance to the Albanian cultural context, its contribution to the local artistic scene, and its benefit to Albanian audiences, in line with the objectives of Europe Week.
2.3 If a project does not clearly fit the thematic or formal scope of the call, is there any way to proceed or adapt the proposal? Applicants are strongly encouraged to ensure that their proposals clearly align with the thematic focus and formal scope of the call. Where relevant, applicants may adapt or refine their proposals prior to submission in order to better reflect the objectives of the programme. Proposals are assessed solely on the basis of the information and content submitted, in accordance with the published evaluation criteria.
2.4 Are Albanian citizens residing in another European country eligible to apply? If so, can they apply as lead applicants or only as partners? Yes. Albanian citizens residing in another European country are eligible to apply either as lead applicants or as part of a team, provided that they are able to be present in Albania during production and performance period.
2.5 Must the three performances take place in three different cities, or can they all be held in the same city? There is no obligation for the proposed performances to take place in different cities. While the geographic distribution of events is encouraged in order to engage diverse audiences across Albania, all performances may be held in the same city, provided that this is justified within the proposal and aligns with the programme's objectives.
2.6 How are travel-related and third-party service costs (including fuel, accommodation, per diems, transport, venue rental, and technical equipment) handled financially, and are such costs invoiced and paid directly by third parties to the organisers? Travel-related and third-party service costs-such as fuel, accommodation, transport, venue rental, and technical equipment-may be included in the proposed budget, provided that they are necessary for the implementation of the performance and comply with the rules set out in the call. Any expenses involving third parties must be managed and invoiced directly to the Europe Week organisers and are paid by the organisers in accordance with the approved budget and contractual arrangements. Please note that prepayments and reimbursements to applicants for such costs are not foreseen.
2.7 Can proposed performance dates be negotiated based on artists' availability? By participating in the Europe Week programme, applicants acknowledge that final performance dates are determined by the Europe Week organisers based on overall programming requirements. While artists may indicate their availability during the proposed period, the final scheduling decision remains with the organisers.
3. Project format and content
3.1 Is the stated budget allocated per performance, or is it allocated for all performances together? The stated maximum budget of EUR 12,000 refers to the total budget of the proposal and must cover all planned performances and related costs combined. Applicants are expected to plan and structure their proposals within this overall financial ceiling, in accordance with the rules and conditions set out in the call.
3.2 Are only individual artists eligible to apply, or are artistic associations and companies also eligible? Applications under this call must be submitted by individual artists. Artistic associations, companies, or other legal entities are not eligible to apply as applicants, as all selected project team members are engaged through individual contracts issued directly by the Europe Week organisers, in accordance with the contractual framework outlined in the Application Guidelines.
3.3 Are youth groups or collectives eligible to apply for this call? Youth groups or collectives may be involved in artistic production and performance; however, applications must be submitted by an individual artist acting as the main applicant. All participants are engaged through individual contractual arrangements in line with the rules set out in the call.
3.4 What are the requirements for collective or group-based applications? Collective or group-based projects may be proposed under this call; however, the application must be submitted by an individual artist acting as the main applicant. The proposal should clearly describe the composition of the team, the roles and responsibilities of all participants, and the overall coordination structure. All participants will be engaged through individual contracts issued by the Europe Week organisers, in accordance with the contractual framework outlined in the Application Guidelines.
3.5 Can part of the budget be used for producing a film, or is the budget limited only to presentation/screening costs? The budget under this call is intended to cover costs directly related to the production and public presentation of the approved artistic performance. Any production-related costs, including film-related elements, must be clearly justified within the context of the proposed performance or exhibition and comply with the rules set out in the call.
3.6 Can participants from other cities or regions be included in a performance? Yes. Participants from other cities or regions may be included in a performance.
3.7 Are only brand-new productions eligible, or can productions that have had a limited or non-public premiere also apply? Proposals submitted under this call are not required to be entirely new. Proposals for works that have had a non-public, or work-in-progress presentation may be considered eligible, provided that the proposed performance or exhibition presented during Europe Week constitutes a first public presentation aligned with the objectives and scope of the programme. All proposals are assessed on a case-by-case basis in accordance with the published evaluation criteria.
4. Performances, venues and scheduling
4.1 Is it acceptable to integrate tradition, local culture, history, and AI-based elements into one performance? At this stage of the process, it is not possible to provide opinions, guidance, or assessments regarding specific artistic content, themes, or creative approaches. All proposals, regardless of their artistic or conceptual composition, are assessed on a case-by-case basis by the evaluation panel in accordance with the published evaluation criteria.
4.2 Can youth centers or similar spaces be used as venues? Yes. Youth centers or similar spaces may be proposed as venues, provided that they are suitable for the nature and technical requirements of the proposed performance or exhibition. Applicants must propose appropriate venues as part of their application; however, final venue confirmation is subject to approval by the Europe Week organisers during the implementation phase.
4.3 Are there limits or recommendations regarding performance duration? The call does not define specific limits or recommendations regarding performance duration. Applicants are expected to propose a duration that is appropriate to the artistic concept, format, and intended audience, and that is feasible within the overall programme and venue context.
4.4 Can participants under 18 years old be included with parental authorization? Participants under the age of are not excluded, provided that appropriate parental or legal guardian authorization is obtained and that all applicable legal and safeguarding requirements are respected during the implementation of the activity.
4.5 Is there a maximum number of participants per performance? The call does not define a maximum number of participants per performance. Applicants are expected to propose a project team size that is appropriate to the artistic concept and feasible within the proposed budget and implementation framework.
4.6 Can the budget include printed materials and custom-made costumes?

Printed materials and other production-related materials may be included in the proposed budget, provided that they are directly related to the artistic performance and necessary for its implementation.

Costumes should in principle be rented rather than custom-made, as the contract does not allow the purchase or creation of assets with residual value, and "production" is interpreted strictly as technical execution rather than creative work. Rental costs for event-related items (e.g. stage elements, decoration, equipment) can be included.

Custom-made costumes would only be eligible exceptionally and subject to prior written approval from the Europe Week organisers, with clear justification that they are necessary for implementation and do not create ineligible assets or creative production costs.

4.7 Must the main applicant be an individual, an NGO, or a registered business? Applications submitted by NGOs, associations, companies, or other registered legal entities are not eligible under this call, as the contractual framework foresees individual contracts issued directly to participating artists and project team members by the Europe Week organisers.
4.8 Are costumes required to be rented, or can they be custom-made and included in the budget?

Costumes should in principle be rented rather than custom-made, as the contract does not allow the purchase or creation of assets with residual value, and "production" is interpreted strictly as technical execution rather than creative work. Rental costs for event-related items (e.g. stage elements, decoration, equipment) can be included.

Custom-made costumes would only be eligible exceptionally and subject to prior written approval from the Europe Week organisers, with clear justification that they are necessary for implementation and do not create ineligible assets or creative production costs.

5. Budget and financial rules
5.1 Do organisers pay all artists and service providers directly, or does the main applicant manage payments? All artists and service providers involved in selected projects are paid directly by the Europe Week organisers, in accordance with the approved budget and contractual arrangements. The main applicant is not responsible for managing or disbursing payments.
5.2 Are individual contracts issued for each performer involved in a project? Yes. Each involved performer and team member is engaged through an individual contract issued directly by the Europe Week organisers, in accordance with the contractual framework and conditions set out in the Application Guidelines.
5.3 Are expenses paid upfront by the applicant and reimbursed later, or are contractors paid directly by the organisers? Expenses are not paid upfront by applicants and are not reimbursed at a later stage. Contractors and service providers are paid directly by the Europe Week organisers, in accordance with the approved budget and contractual arrangements. Please note that prepayments are not foreseen under this call.
5.4 Can images and external links be included in the application form? Images must not be embedded directly in the application form. Applicants may provide images or additional visual materials through external links (e.g. Google Drive or similar platforms), provided that the links are accessible without restrictions. Any external links included should be clearly referenced and relevant to the proposed project.
5.5 Can all three proposed performances take place outside the capital city? Yes. All proposed performances may take place outside the capital city. The geographic distribution of events across Albania is encouraged, and proposals that engage audiences beyond Tirana are welcomed, provided that the proposed venues and implementation plan meet the programme's requirements.
5.6 Is it acceptable to use a public space that is provided free of charge by a municipality? Yes. Public spaces made available free of charge by a municipality may be proposed as venues, provided that they are suitable for the nature and technical requirements of the proposed performance or exhibition. As with all venues, final approval is subject to confirmation by the Europe Week organisers during the implementation phase.
5.7 Should transportation costs for the project team be included in the budget? Yes. Transportation costs necessary for the implementation of the project might be included in the proposed budget.
5.8 At the application stage, is a conceptual proposal sufficient, or is a fully detailed production plan required? Applications must present a clear and coherent proposal that allows the evaluation panel to assess the submission in accordance with the published evaluation criteria. The level of detail provided at the application stage is left to the applicant's discretion, provided that the proposal contains sufficient information to be assessed against the criteria set out in the call.
6. Contracts, payments and documentation
6.1 Must all artists and collaborators be confirmed at the time of application? It is strongly recommended that all artists and collaborators involved in the proposal are confirmed at the time of application. Providing complete information on the team supports the assessment of the proposal in relation to the human resources and artistic portfolio evaluation criteria set out in the call.
6.2 What level of detail is expected in the artistic description of the performance? The artistic description should be clear, coherent, and sufficiently detailed to allow the evaluation panel to assess the proposal in line with the published evaluation criteria. Applicants are encouraged to provide enough information to convey the artistic concept, approach, and relevance of the proposed performance, while recognising that artistic productions may continue to evolve during the implementation phase.
6.3 Are preliminary confirmations from venues required before submission? Preliminary confirmations from venues are not required at the time of application. Applicants are asked to propose suitable venues as part of their proposal; however, final venue confirmation is subject to approval by the Europe Week organisers during the implementation phase.
6.4 Does the programme include art exhibitions, specifically for painters? Visual arts proposals culminating in exhibitions are eligible to apply under this call, provided that they align with the objectives and scope of the programme and are presented as part of the Europe Week 2026 programme.
6.5 Is it possible to submit a portfolio as part of the application? Yes. Applicants are required to submit an artist portfolio and/or CV as part of the application, in accordance with the requirements set out in the call. These materials are used to assess the artistic background and experience of the applicant and project team in line with the evaluation criteria.
6.6 How should the "Result" and "Due by" fields be completed in the performance activities section? Applicants are asked to complete the "Result" and "Due by" fields in a clear and indicative manner, describing the expected outcome of the proposed performance activities and the anticipated timeframe for their delivery. The information provided should be consistent with the overall proposal and sufficient to allow assessment in line with the evaluation criteria.
6.7 How should applicants proceed if their project does not include production activities? Each artistic performance supported under this call must include production activities. Applicants are therefore required to plan and describe the necessary production activities as part of their proposal, in order to allow proper assessment in line with the objectives and evaluation criteria of the programme.
6.8 Is a portfolio required only for the main applicant, or also for all participating artists? Portfolios and/or CVs are required for all participating artists, not only for the main applicant. These materials are used to assess the human resources and artistic background of the full project team in line with the evaluation criteria set out in the call.
6.9 Is co-financing from other public or private sources allowed? No. Proposals that are co-financed by other public or private sources are not eligible under this call. The financial support provided through the Europe Week programme must be the sole source of funding for the proposed project, in accordance with the rules set out in the Application Guidelines.
6.10 Is ticket sales permitted for activities implemented within this programme? No. Ticket sales are not permitted for activities implemented within the Europe Week programme. All supported performances and exhibitions must be accessible to the public free of charge, in line with the objectives of Europe Week and its commitment to accessibility and public engagement.
European External Action Service published this content on January 20, 2026, and is solely responsible for the information contained herein. Distributed via Public Technologies (PUBT), unedited and unaltered, on January 20, 2026 at 14:31 UTC. If you believe the information included in the content is inaccurate or outdated and requires editing or removal, please contact us at [email protected]