European Instrument for Democracy and Human Rights (EIDHR) Country-Based Support Scheme for Vietnam 2016-2017

A call is announced for applications for a new EU programme in Viet Nam: European Instrument for Democracy and Human Rights (EIDHR) Country-Based Support Scheme for Vietnam 2016-2017. Grants will be awarded for projects in three priority areas, including: Freedom of artistic expression and creativity.

Actions must take place in Viet Nam, with a duration of between 30 and 42 months. Applicants must be non-profit making organisations with a legal status, and of a specific type of organisation (please read the eligibility guidelines carefully!).

Information sessions on this call for proposals will tentatively be organised in Ho Chi Minh City on 21 February 2017 and another one in Hanoi on 23 February 2017 (final dates to be confirmed). The dates and venues of the sessions will be published on the website of the Delegation of the European Union to Vietnam once confirmed: http://eeas.europa.eu/vietnam

The first stage of application is the submission of a Concept Note by 20 March 2017

Shortlisted applicants will be invited to make a full application in detail.

Lot/Priority 2: Freedom of artistic expression and creativity

The specific objective of Lot 2 is to protect and promote the right to enjoy and access cultural values, participate in cultural life and make use of cultural bases as guaranteed by the Constitution of Vietnam in its Article 41. The most explicit provisions protecting the freedom of artistic expression and creativity are to be found also in article 15(3) of the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (which Vietnam ratified on 24 September 1982) under which States "undertake to respect the freedom indispensable for…creative activity" and in article 19(2) of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ratified also by Vietnam on 24 September 1982) which states that the right to freedom of expression includes the freedom to seek, receive and impact information and ideas of all kinds 'in the form of art'.

Indicative and non-exhaustive list of activities prioritised:

 Activities promoting the right to freedom of artistic expression and creativity and to carry out, contribute, participate and engage in cultural life, artistic expressions and creations and enjoy the arts through individual or joint practices.

 Projects supporting forms of expression that carry an aesthetic and/or symbolic dimension, using different media including, but not limited to, painting and drawing, music, songs and dances, poetry and literature, theatre and circus, photography, cinema and video, architecture and sculpture, performances and public art interventions.

 Initiatives encouraging creative talents and cultural diversity, and disseminating creative activity and cultural expressions.

 Actions to protect, defend and assist artists and their freedom of creation.

 Actions defending the right of people to manifest their cultural identity and to access and enjoy their cultural heritage as well as that of others.

 Proposals promoting new independent spaces for arts and groups, including the use of public space(s) or engaging the business community.

 Plans and proposals to promote critical thinking, debate and discussions about the arts and creative industries, including educational programmes, residential schemes for artists and exchanges for art administrators, curators and managers.

 Support for the implementation of the National Strategy for the Development of Cultural Industries in Vietnam to 2020, vision 2030 (Approved by Prime Minister’s Decision 1755/QĐ-TTg dated 08/09/2016).

 Promotion of linkages between Vietnamese and European organisations in the field of arts/culture/creative industries to exchange knowledge and techniques.

Please note that the indicative allocation (i.e. the total amount for all awarded grants) for this priority area (Lot 2) is EUR 450,000 and the grants awarded will be Minimum amount: EUR 300,000 and Maximum amount: EUR 450,000.

It is the initial intention of the Contracting Authority to award at least one grant per lot/priority.