The Mediterranean Capitals of Culture and Dialogue are born from the collective efforts of over 200 young representatives from the civil society of over 20 countries, who gathered at the Forum des Mondes Méditerranéens in February 2022 in Marseille. Their recommendations, alongside the call of Ministers of Culture of the Euro-Mediterranean region in June of the same year in Naples, inspired the 43 Member States of the Euro-Mediterranean Partnership to endorse it to further promote the diversity and shared identity of the Mediterranean and contribute to a better mutual understanding of its peoples. 

Building on this youth-driven momentum of shared ambition, the ALF and the UfM worked together in close collaboration with young civil society representatives and governments to design and launch this initiative. This collaborative and open approach ensures that it remains rooted in the ambitions and voices of the youth at its core. 

Matera and Tétouan have been nominated as Mediterranean Capitals of Culture and Dialogue for 2026 and now ALF is launching this open call to support cultural and intercultural activities in both cities. 

This call reaffirms the ALF’s commitment to supporting cities as dynamic spaces for intercultural dialogue and as engines for cooperation between local administrations, intercultural entities or equivalent organisations through artistic performances, interactive initiatives and dialogue in shaping more inclusive societies. 

They are seeking intercultural entities or equivalent capable of designing and implementing cultural and intercultural activities in indoor venues or outdoor public spaces in Matera, Italy or Tétouan, Morocco (non-profit-no ticket sales) to be carried out between June and August  2026 that
1) demonstrate the power of culture as a tool for social inclusion;
2) showcase the diversity of the Euro-Mediterranean region and create a sense of unity through different forms of arts and
3) provide a vibrant and interactive setting that connects with the people of Matera and Tétouan. 

These activities could take place, among others, in the following locations in Matera:
Sassi e Centro Storico [Downtown] 
Casa Cava [indoor] 
Chiesa di S. Maria De Armenis [indoor] 
Ex Convento di S. Lucia e Agata a Porta Pistola spazio interno ed esterno [indoor & outdoor] 
Giardino del silenzio, esterno [outdoor] 
Periferie [Outskirts] 
Il Circo, sala Pasolini [indoor] 
Teatro Quaroni [indoor] 

These activities could take place, among others, in the following locations in Tétouan:
Théâtre Español 
Cinéma Español (Avenida) 
Instituto Cervantes 
Institut Français 
Municipality of Tetouan venues: 

Municipal libraries (6 libraries) 
La grande salle Aztoût 
L’Espace Citoyenneté 
Centre d’Art Moderne 
Maison de la Culture 
Dar Torris 

Types of cultural and intercultural activities could include, but not limited to: Live performances such as dance, theatre, activities reflecting cultural heritage (crafts, food, storytelling), visual art installations with interactive components, sensory experiences (interactive sounds or tactile art) or collaborative art activities. 

Interested intercultural entities or equivalent of the 43 countries of the Euro-Mediterranean region (Albania, Algeria, Austria, Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Egypt, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Jordan, Latvia, Lebanon, Libya, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Mauritania, Monaco, Montenegro, Morocco, North Macedonia, Palestine, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovak Republic, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Syria, The Netherlands, Tunisia and Türkiye) are invited to submit their proposals (in English, French or Arabic) before 4 April at 23:59 CET via the online application form only.

The same entity may not submit more than one application to this call. 

How to prepare an application in three steps
Reach an agreement in principle with a local partner based in Alexandria and, if the applicant is from Alexandria, with an Alexandrian local administration  
Settle on a date and a venue where the proposed intercultural activity would take place 
Complete the application form, providing an outline of your idea and the value you aim to bring 
Applications should be complete and comprehensive and provide a detailed breakdown of how the funds will be used (venues, equipment, materials, fees, local transportation, main meals, international travel, accommodation and other necessary elements to carry out the proposed activity), ensuring all elements are covered. 

It is strongly recommended that each applicant cover part of the costs of the proposed activity with their own means or through the local partner/administration. This will not only generate a leverage effect on available resources but will also contribute to increasing the number of beneficiaries. 

The selected applications will receive a lump sum to cover the costs of implementing the proposed activities.

Funding will be provided according to the following categories: 
Small scale: Up to 2.500 euro (covering a maximum of three individuals)
Medium scale:  Between 2.500 and 5.000 euro (covering a minimum of three to a maximum of five individuals) 

Other info and Apply form Here.