Opening and closing dates 2026

An important note for the design and digital culture fields: in 2026, we'll be working on structural changes to the grant offering, to be introduced in 2027. These changes are necessary because demand for grants in these fields far exceeds available funding. Additionally, the system introduced in 2025 – which caps the number of applications processed per round – hasn't been working well in several key respects. While we develop these structural changes, we're implementing some temporary measures for the coming year. In 2026, there will be no rounds of the Creative Industries Kick-start Grant Scheme for design and digital culture, and the Design Grant Scheme and Digital Culture Grant Scheme will have two rounds instead of three. Read more about these adjusted procedures here.

All grant schemes open at 15:00 CE(S)T on the grant period start date and close at 16:00 CE(S)T on the closing date. Opening and closing dates in 2026:

Design Grant Scheme

25 February – 3 March 2026
12 August – 18 August 2026

Architecture Grant Scheme

5 January – 19 January 2026
18 March – 24 March 2026
13 August – 19 August 2026

Digital Culture Grant Scheme

26 February – 4 March 2026
12 August – 19 August 2026

Creative Industries Kick-start Grant Scheme – Architecture

11 March – 17 March 2026
6 May – 13 May 2026
30 September – 7 October 2026

Talent Development Grant Scheme

5 January – 10 February 2026

Design Sector Internationalisation Grant Scheme

16 February – 16 March 2026
25 August – 22 September 2026

Creative Industries Festivals Grant Scheme

For festivals taking place in 2027: 25 August – 23 September 2026

Creative Industries Activities Programme Grant Scheme

For activities programmes running in 2027–2028: 13 May – 15 June 2026

Immerse\Interact Grant Scheme

14 January – 31 March 2026
24 June – 25 August 2026

Artistic & Design Research Immersive Experiences Grant Scheme

30 March – 8 April 2026

Open Call Prix de Rome Architecture

12 January – 23 February 2026

Open Call Self-taught Designer

10 February – 25 February 2026

Open Call Emerging Design Practices ABCSSS

13 January – 18 March 2026

International Vouchers

7 January – 25 February 2026
4 May – 22 June 2026
8 September – 27 October 2026

There will be no round of the Four-year Institutional Grant Scheme for the creative industries in 2026.

more open calls

Throughout 2026, we'll announce various open calls on specific themes within design, architecture and digital culture, as well as the Spatial Design Action Programme, Talent Development Programme and Internationalisation Programme. Calls for residencies and international events will also be announced. Follow our newsletter and social media to stay informed.

online consultation hour

On Monday 22 December 2025 from 15:00 to 16:00, we're hosting an online consultation hour to answer questions about the adjusted procedures for design and digital culture.

holiday closure

Please note: The Fund will be closed from Wednesday 24 December 2025 through Sunday 4 January 2026. Fund staff will be unavailable during this period. New account applications will not be processed, and you will not be able to start or submit an application unless you already have an active account. The first grant schemes of 2026 open on 5 January at 15:00 CE(S)T. If you wish to work on your application via the application platform that day, please ensure you've created an account by 22 December 2025 at the latest. Otherwise, Tuesday 6 January 2026 will be the earliest you can receive new account details