(PERMA)CULTURAL OPEN CALL

The main condition is to organize a major artistic or cultural event for the general public in 2028 in the South Bohemian Region.
Projects are not limited by genre, format, venue, or size. The topics that should be reflected in the project are listed above.

The project must have its main public launch in 2028, and its budget must be drawn up accordingly. The year 2026 should be dedicated to preparation and planning, and in 2027 you can include smaller public outputs (e.g., a pilot year).

The fact that the event is already taking place is not an obstacle to its success in the open call. However, it must meet the conditions and fit into the concept of the European Capital of Culture. Also consider whether you need two years to prepare and submit your project in 2025 or in subsequent years (2026 or 2027).

Yes, you can submit multiple projects for one organization, but the evaluation committee can select a maximum of one of them for implementation. However, you can be a partner in an unlimited number of supported projects.

You can submit your own project as the main organizer in the next call for proposals in 2026. However, you can get involved now by joining as a partner in a project submitted in 2025 by a South Bohemian organization as the main organizer and applicant.

The condition for participation in the open call is that you are a legal entity based in the South Bohemian Region. If you want to participate as an individual, sole trader, or artist, you can participate in the open call as a partner of the main applicant. Try to find an organization that will submit the application as the main applicant, and together you can prepare and implement the project in 2028.

There is no upper limit on the total project budget, only a maximum amount of support, which is CZK 4,000,000.

Yes, the minimum amount is CZK 750,000 for a three-year period (2026-2028).

Although the call is divided into "small" and "large" projects, it is intended for projects that are more extensive, require two years of preparation, and conceptually involve an international partner.

If you have a smaller project, we will announce a second call in 2026. We will open the third call in 2027, when we will support a larger number of projects with smaller amounts, giving them another opportunity to become part of the EHMK program.

The project can be co-financed from admission fees, European grants, operating contributions from the founder, or support from local government. The Ministry of Culture may also co-finance the project, but the total amount, including support from CB EHMK 2028, may not exceed 70% of the budget (this does not apply to the State Culture Fund).
 

Are the amounts stated for one year or for the entire period 2026-2028? And when will the co-financing percentage need to be met? For each year or for the project as a whole?

The budget is submitted for all three years (2026, 2027, and 2028), and the total amounts relate to the entire period. For smaller projects, co-financing is at least 30% each year (according to the conditions of the Ministry of Culture).

For larger projects, co-financing can be spread out. Again, a minimum of 30% applies for each year. However, in addition to this rule, co-financing can be fulfilled for the entire period as a whole. This will be particularly relevant for large projects that will have co-financing in the form of admission fees for 2028 and would not meet the 50% requirement in the previous year.

Akademie ČB 28 is a series of workshops attended by everyone involved in projects within the EHMK.

The topics are 1. project management, 2. working with the public and accessibility, 3. sustainability, 4. international partnerships and funding from European funds. All workshops are led by experts and are very practical, with an emphasis on usability in project planning and implementation.
It is also an opportunity to meet a wider range of project partners. The scope is approximately 64 hours between March and May 2026.

The EHMK project is an initiative with a European dimension, so this dimension must be included in all programs that are part of it.
For 2025, we are looking for projects that require several years of preparation a nd involve a foreign partner in the conceptual phase -  this could be a co-author of the concept, a partner in the preparation and implementation, an expert guarantor providing specific know-how, or an artistic ensemble with which you will create an artistic output for 2028. In your application, please specify the specific form of cooperation, the contribution of the foreign partner (contacts, know-how, membership in a network of European institutions,experience with a specific genre or theme, etc.) and how their involvement will enrich the project. The foreign partner will contribute (contacts, know-how, membership in a network of European institutions, experience with a specific genre or theme, etc.) and how their involvement will enrich the European dimension of your project.

We will be organizing an online seminar on international cooperation on August 27. We will also present tips on where to find partners for your project. If you want to start searching now, we recommend looking at relevant organizations operating in other European Capitals of Culture, in cross-border regions, or those involved in Creative Europe projects and with experience in international cooperation — some are currently even looking for project partners.

In addition to České Budějovice, Bourges 2028 and Skopje 2028 also hold the EHMK title for 2028, and there will be program cooperation between our three cities. You can plan cooperation with specific partners from these cities (or wider regions) directly.
However, this is not. However, you can collaborate with anyone from abroad — not just from Europe.

In the document Conditions of the Call, which can also be found above on this website.