The first edition of the “Mattei Award for Cultural Cooperation” has been launched by the Italian Ministry of Culture, in collaboration with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, as part of the Mattei Plan. The initiative makes €1 million available to support artistic and cultural projects and training programmes designed to strengthen relations between Italy and African countries.
The Award aims to promote cultural exchange and the mobility of artists and professionals, enhance cultural heritage and creative industries, develop new skills, and encourage long-term cooperation among Italian and African institutions, universities, cultural organisations and creative practitioners.
Two areas of intervention
The call is divided into two sections:
- Mattei Award – Arts, aimed at initiatives in the fields of visual and applied arts, performing and audiovisual arts, publishing translation, and the international promotion of photography exhibitions.
- Mattei Award – Academy, dedicated to training, exchange and cooperation programmes in the artistic and cultural fields between Italy and Africa.
Eligible applicants include individuals, artistic and cultural collectives, and public or private non-profit organisations based in Italy, provided they have at least three years of experience in the cultural and creative sectors. Projects must involve, as a partner, at least one organisation or entity based in an African country.
Particular attention will be paid to the quality and originality of proposals, innovation, social and territorial impact, inclusion, intercultural dialogue, sustainability, and the projects’ ability to generate long-term partnerships.
Applications must be submitted exclusively through the Italian Ministry of Culture portal from 12:00 noon on 31 August 2026 until 12:00 noon on 31 October 2026.
The Award is one of the instruments through which the Mattei Plan seeks to strengthen cultural cooperation with the African continent, recognising culture as a key driver of international relations, skills development and new opportunities for collaboration.
The full call for applications and information on eligibility and application procedures are available on the dedicated page of the Central Institute for the Economic Valorisation and Promotion of Cultural Heritage (IC-VEPP).
