AI integration in CCSI work practice: catalysing innovation and competitiveness
Funding for the comprehensive integration of ethical AI technologies in the culture and creative sectors (CCSI) through the development, piloting, and deployment of scalable solutions. Application deadline: 23.09.2026.
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Grant criteria
Funding objective
The goal is to equip the cultural and creative industries as well as the political environment with innovative, ethically designed AI tools and strategies to sustainably promote efficiency, competitiveness, inclusion, and creative expression.
Eligible expenses
- Personnel costs
- Material costs
- Travel expenses
- Subcontractor services
- Costs for information and communication technologies
Non-eligible expenses
- Acquisition of real estate
- Retroactive costs
- Debt settlement
Eligible to apply
- Companies
- Educational Institutions
- Non-profit Organizations
- Founders
- Public Institutions
Funding requirements
- Participation in a European consortium with at least three independent partners
- Experience in the CCSI field and with AI projects
- Compliance with EU participation requirements
Documents required for application
- Declaration of Participation
- Short Bio of the Lead Researchers
- Project Description
- Financial Plan
- Ethics and Safety Documents
- Lump Sum Budget Table
Evaluation criteria
- Innovative content of the project
- Relevance to CCSI objectives
- Multiplication potential
- Quality of methodology and consortium
Description
The funding program “AI Integration in CCSI Work Practice: Catalysing Innovation and Competitiveness” targets small and medium-sized enterprises, educational institutions, non-profit and public organizations, as well as start-ups across the EU. It supports the comprehensive integration of ethical AI technologies in the cultural and creative sectors (CCSI) through the development, piloting, and scaling of innovative solutions. The aim is to sustainably enhance efficiency, competitiveness, inclusion, and creative expression. To this end, European consortia with at least three independent partners identify individual use cases, develop concrete strategies and guidelines, and implement tools and AI instruments for artists, cultural and creative enterprises, public and non-profit cultural organizations, and technology developers. The focus lies on ethical standards, data standards, and collaborative processes to preserve cultural diversity and accessibility for all target groups, with special consideration for vulnerable groups.
Funding is provided as a grant with a funding rate of 70% and a project volume of €4–5 million per consortium. Eligible expenses include personnel costs, material and travel expenses, subcontractor services, and IT expenditures; real estate and retroactive costs are not covered. Evaluation criteria include innovation content, relevance to CCSI objectives, multiplier potential, and methodological quality. Applicants must demonstrate experience in the CCSI and AI fields, meet EU participation requirements, submit ethics and security documents, and include a financing plan. The application deadline is September 23, 2026 (5 p.m. CET). The funding program aims to empower the cultural and creative industries as well as policymakers to implement ethically responsible AI solutions and thus become driving forces for culture, innovation, and societal well-being.
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