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.

Land/Region Thema Periode Budget
Nordmazedonien
Kultur & Bewusstsein für Entwicklungszusammenarbeit
Governance
Menschenrechte
Kultur & Freizeit
Demokratische Partizipation und Zivilbevölkerung
Menschenrechte (inkl. Frauenrechte)
07.08.2023 - 30.11.2028
CHF  2’038’000
Hintergrund 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.
Ziele The independent, diverse and inclusive culture sector shapes and safeguards  democratic values, inclusive societal changes and social cohesion.
Zielgruppen

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.

Mittelfristige Wirkungen

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.

Resultate

Erwartete Resultate:  

  • 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


Resultate von früheren Phasen:   Draft project document developed during the inception phase.


Verantwortliche Direktion/Bundesamt DEZA
Kreditbereich Ostzusammenarbeit
Projektpartner Vertragspartner
Internationale oder ausländische NGO
Privatsektor
  • Ausländischer Privatsektor Süden/Osten
  • Schweizerischer Privatsektor

Umsetzungspartner
Heartefact 

Koordination mit anderen Projekten und Akteuren

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 Laufende Phase Schweizer Beitrag CHF    2’038’000 Bereits ausgegebenes Schweizer Budget CHF    212’000 Projekttotal seit Anfangsphase Schweizer Beitrag CHF   12’000 Budget inklusive Projektpartner CHF   4’538’000