Open call for the RHIZOM/RAZOM project

Open call for the RHIZOM/RAZOM project

In cooperation with the Ukrainian Institute in Germany, we announce an open call for participation in the “RHIZOM/RAZOM: Reinforcing Transregional Cultural Partnerships”.

This call is intended for Ukrainian and German NGOs, cultural and educational institutions operating in the socio-cultural sector that wish to implement joint projects in 2025/26 exploring the theme of decolonisation. RHIZOM/RAZOM is the second edition of the cultural programme initiated by the Ukrainian Institute in Germany. The programme is funded by the Federal Foreign Office of the Federal Republic of Germany.

OBJECTIVES OF THE CALL

The programme supports projects that:

  • build and strengthen Ukrainian-German partnerships, laying the foundation for long-term cooperation between the participants;
  • engage the general as well as professional public in reflecting on democracy in Europe through the lens of decolonisation;
  • enhance the resilience and capacity of regional NGOs and cultural/educational institutions in Germany and Ukraine;
  • promote the exchange of expertise among artists, researchers, and cultural professionals from both countries.

We understand decolonisation to include cultural, historical, and epistemic dimensions — e.g. projects that challenge inherited narratives, elevate marginalised voices, or address post-Soviet and post-colonial power structures in cultural contexts.

WHO CAN APPLY

Applications are accepted from organisations that:

  • are legally registered NGOs, who work in the socio-cultural and educational field;
  • non-commercial cultural or educational institutions in Ukraine or Germany;
  • already have a confirmed partner in the respective other country (Ukraine or Germany).

If you do not yet have a partner but have a fitting project idea, see the Partner Matching section below.

CONDITIONS FOR PARTICIPATION

Eligible projects must:

  • be jointly implemented by a Ukrainian-German partnership.
  • be carried out in regions of Germany — specifically in cities with a population of under 150,000. Preference will be given to projects located outside major urban centres, to support decentralised cultural engagement.
  • be aligned with the programme’s core values: Human rights, democratic participation, environmental sustainability, and rule of law — all in the context of decolonial thinking.
  • Ensure that the applicants have the legal and financial capacity to receive and manage funds. This includes maintaining a bank account (in Germany or Ukraine) capable of accepting grant payments, and the ability to legally disburse funds for project-related expenses in accordance with the approved budget and national regulations.

The programme supports a wide range of artistic formats in the fields of music, theatre/performance, visual arts, film, literature, as well as interdisciplinary and research-based projects.

FUNDING AVAILABLE

From €5000 up to €20,000 per project. Both full and partial funding is possible. Please note that double funding from other German public sources for the same project activities is not permitted

TIMELINE

  • Deadline to apply: 15 August 2025, 11:00 (CET)
  • Pre-selection results: 8 September 2025 (Please note that pre-selected projects will be sent to the Federal Foreign Office for the final screening and only after approval of FFO will the selected projects be eligible to receive the approved funding.)
  • Project implementation period: October 2025–June 2026
  • Concluding conference in autumn 2026 in Ivano-Frankivsk, Ukraine presentation of all projects and networking event.

PARTNER MATCHING

If you do not have a partner but have a suitable project idea, you are invited to express your interest by completing the Partner Search Form.

  • Allow your profile to be published in a public table for other applicants;
  • Choose the confidential option (“for internal use only”);

Other participants can contact you directly, or you can find a partner on your own.

We will do our best to establish contacts, but we do not guarantee a successful match.

Even after the partnership is established, you will have until 15 August 2025, to submit a full application.

HOW TO APPLY

Please submit all documents via the online registration form no later than 15 August 2025, 11:00 (CET).

Required attachments (in English):

  • Completed application form (PDF, named: ProjectTitle_application.pdf, signed; stamp optional)
  • Proof of legal status of both partners (PDF, max 5 MB; accepted in English, Ukrainian, or German; named: OrganisationName_eligibility.pdf)
  • Preliminary project budget (Excel, named: ProjectTitle_budget.pdf, signed)
  • Letter of intent from the partner organisation. 

If you have any questions, please contact us at germany@ui.org.ua by 10 August 2025.

Please note: The main language of communication for all programme activities, application materials, and correspondence is English.

RHIZOM/RAZOM is initiated by the Ukrainian Institute in Germany, in cooperation with Insha Osvita, and funded by the Federal Foreign Office of Germany (Auswärtiges Amt). 

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