NMAC: Culture for Development
A strong independent cultural sector contributes to safeguarding universal democratic values, strengthens critical thinking and promotes social cohesion and inclusion. However, its potential in North Macedonia remains underutilized due to limited capacities and financial resources. Switzerland will support the independent cultural scene to develop quality production, to become more strategic, to improve their financial basis and predictability, promoting dialogue and democratic participation.
| Country/region | Topic | Period | Budget |
|---|---|---|---|
|
North Macedonia |
Culture / development awareness Governance Human rights
Culture & recreation
Democratic participation and civil society Human rights (incl. Women's rights) |
07.08.2023
- 30.11.2028 |
CHF 2’038’000
|
- Strengthened capacities of the independent cultural scene, through institutional grants, workshops and mentorship
- More conducive operating conditions for the independent cultural scene through support for research and advocacy
- Production of socially-relevant artistic content
- More efficient use of public spaces through collaboration with public cultural institions
- Foreign private sector South/East
- Swiss Private Sector
-
Sector according to the OECD Developement Assistance Commitiee categorisation OTHER SOCIAL INFRASTRUCTURE AND SERVICES
GOVERNMENT AND CIVIL SOCIETY
GOVERNMENT AND CIVIL SOCIETY
Sub-Sector according to the OECD Developement Assistance Commitiee categorisation Culture and recreation
Democratic participation and civil society
Human rights
Cross-cutting topics The project also supports partner organisation improvements
Aid Type Mandate with fiduciary funds
Mandate without fiduciary fund
Project number 7F10961
| Background | North Macedonia’s political, social and economic context is characterized by weak political institutions, limited rule of law, brain drain and underdeveloped economic sector. Interethnic relations, corruption, clientelism, political polarization, long and uncertain EU accession process continue to affect all aspects of life. Culture in North Macedonia has been severely underfunded, without vision for strategic development of the sector. The independent cultural scene, consisting of organized and individual cultural actors, generates critical social discourses and enhances democratic debate in the society. However, the scene faces precarity in their work with very limited public and private funding, placing North Macedonia at the bottom of the region. Lack of available spaces for working, performing and exhibiting prevents them to provide platforms for participation in cultural and social life by youth, smaller ethnic communities and other vulnerable groups. |
| Objectives | The independent, diverse and inclusive culture sector shapes and safeguards democratic values, inclusive societal changes and social cohesion. |
| Target groups |
The independent cultural organizations (civil society organizations) which are key agents of new tendencies in culture and arts. Beneficiaries: citizens who through the independent cultural scene voice their concerns on socially relevant topics, pursuing democratic values, inclusive societal changes and social cohesion. |
| Medium-term outcomes |
Outcome 1: The institutional and financial capacities of the cultural and artistic organizations promoting democratic and universal values are increased. Outcome 2: The independent cultural scene has more favourable conditions to operate. Outcome 3: Citizens, including vulnerable groups, make use of the independent cultural scene to voice their concerns on socially - relevant topics. |
| Results |
Expected results: Results from previous phases: Draft project document developed during the inception phase. |
| Directorate/federal office responsible |
SDC |
| Project partners |
Contract partner International or foreign NGO Private sector Implementing partner
Heartefact
|
| Coordination with other projects and actors |
Coordination with the projects of the EU Delegation, supporting culture. Synergies with the SDC’s democratic governance projects, in particular the Civica Mobilitas programme. |
| Budget | Current phase Swiss budget CHF 2’038’000 Swiss disbursement to date CHF 212’000 Total project since first phase Swiss budget CHF 12’000 Budget inclusive project partner CHF 4’538’000 |
