Creative FLIP is launching the Cross-Sectoral Pioneers Program to support innovative projects through cross-disciplinary collaboration. We are looking for 10 innovative pairs from the Cultural and Creative Sectors (CCSI) and beyond to team up, create and explore new possibilities together. This initiative fosters connections within CCSI and other industries, aiming to inspire sustainable innovation by bridging diverse expertise and driving pioneering ideas.
WHAT
10 projects uniting different sectors to explore innovation and creativity
WHEN
Implementation period April 2025 – November 2025
SUPPORT
up to €3,500 per pair
DEADLINE
Apply by 9 February 2025
Are you ready to take your creativity to the next level?
Imagine collaborating with someone from a different country, a different field, and a fresh perspective. This is your chance to push boundaries, explore new paths, and bring innovative ideas to life.
Dream big!
- Are you a designer ready to team up with an AI developer to redefine the intersection of art and technology?
- Are you an architect envisioning bold concepts with a motion designer?
- Are you a cinematographer and want to create an exciting project together with a doctor?
- Are you exploring ways to combine your creativity with expertise from another sector?
No matter the combination, this is your opportunity to experiment, collaborate, and turn groundbreaking ideas into reality.
Join the Cross-Sectoral Pioneers Program and help shape the future of innovation through collaboration. Together, we’ll support your vision and help you create a project that bridges fields, cultures, and industries.
We’re offering grants of up to €3,500 to help you get started.
Explore the details of the Open Call and application requirements below.
Applicants may be individuals or organisations, from the cultural and creative sectors* as well as from other industries entirely.
Eligible applicants must apply in predefined pairs:
- One applicant must be a professional or legal entity belonging to a CCSI sector.
- The other must be a professional or legal entity belonging to another sector, within or beyond the CCSIs and from another eligible country.
- Clearly identifying one as the host and the other as the visitor
- The two participants must be from different eligible countries.**
The cross-sectoral pioneers program aims to:
Foster Cross-Sectoral Collaboration: Encourage cooperation between professionals from the cultural and creative sectors (CCSI) and those from different sectors, either within or beyond CCSI, to develop innovative partnerships.
Create Tangible Outputs: Support the development of a working prototype, demonstration, creative/artistic production, or project proposal that can serve as a valuable asset for further development, validation, or investment.
Enhance Peer Learning and Exchange: Enable knowledge sharing and peer-to-peer learning between participants from different sectors through a structured 5-day hackathon-style exchange program.
Promote Innovation Through Creativity and AI: Special emphasis is placed on projects that explore the intersection of creativity and artificial intelligence, encouraging participants to experiment with new technologies and creative practices
- Involve vulnerable groups or promote gender balance
- Are led by young professionals
- Embrace sustainable and green practices
- Explore the intersection of creativity and AI
The Cross-Sectoral Pioneers Program is a peer-learning and mobility initiative aimed at supporting innovative ideas and projects through cross-disciplinary collaboration. The program pairs two representatives from different fields, within or beyond the Cultural and Creative Sectors (CCS).
As part of the program, one participant visits the other to collaborate over five days, during which they will work together on an experimental or collaborative project, similar to a hackathon. Projects that explore the relationship between creativity and AI will receive special emphasis.
By the end of the collaboration, participants should produce a tangible outcome, such as a working prototype, demonstration, project proposal, or creative/artistic production (e.g., a video).
Participation in the Cross-sectoral Program foresees the following benefits:
- Funding and Financial Support:
- A grant of €2,300 equally divided between the host and the visitor (€1,150 each) to cover project-related costs (e.g., materials, local transport, equipment, etc.).
- Coverage of travel and accommodation costs for the visitor (up to €1,175 max).
- Expected Outcomes: A tangible deliverable (e.g., prototype, demo, or creative production) to test ideas, receive feedback, and attract investors or further support.
- Visibility and Promotion: The project will be promoted within the CCSI ecosystem, offering a platform to showcase your work and connect with industry leaders.
- Inclusion of best practice cases on Creatives Unite platform, drafted by the Creative FLIP Project Team
Selected projects should deliver:
- A 5-day program collaboration, excluding the travel days.
- A tangible outcome such as a prototype, demo, or creative production (e.g., video).
- Documentation of the 5-day collaboration (videos, high-quality photos, and social media posts).
- A preliminary week-long activity plan* prior to the exchange
- A short final report on project implementation including visuals
*Week-long program can include activities such as: Study visits, co-creation,research & exploration, design or prototyping, presentation
- 17 December 2024Call Opens
- 9 February 2025, 23:59h CETDeadline to Apply
- End of February 2025Results announced
- April to November 2025Project Implementation
Interested applicants should fill out the online application form, presenting their cross-sectoral project idea and motivation.
To prepare, you may view here the questions that will be required during the application process.
Please note:
You may submit your application only after securing a confirmed partner and agreeing on the proposed project in advance.
Applications will be evaluated by a panel consisting of evaluators from the Creative FLIP project consortium and external experts.
The evaluation will be based on the following criteria:
- Motivation for developing the project
- Added value/necessity for cross-sectoral cooperation
- Complementarity between the host and the visitor
- Quality of the week-long program
- Quality of expected outputs
- Geographic and Sectoral Representation
- Use innovative AI practices
- Involve vulnerable groups or promote gender balance
- Are led by young professionals
- Embrace sustainable and green practices
Please elaborate your answers to open-ended questions, as this will help the evaluation of your application.
Disclaimer: We are committed to equality, diversity, and inclusion in all project activities. Applications are welcome from all, regardless of race, ethnicity, religion, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital, or parental status. Even if you don't meet all criteria, we encourage you to apply.
The FAQ section will continuously be updated during the application period.
I am an individual. Can I apply?
Yes, cooperation agreements can be signed with both a natural person, but also with established organisations and structures with legal personality.
Can I apply alone and find a partner later?
No, applications must be submitted in pairs with a confirmed partner.
Are existing cooperations eligible to apply?
Yes, existing partnerships are welcome to apply, but they must propose a new cross-sectoral project that hasn't previously been implemented by them.
Do I need to have a space/venue in order to apply?
This depends on the project you plan to realize and its specific needs, but it is not a prerequisite. For individuals, renting a space with part of the allocated budget is an option, for instance.
Can we submit multiple applications with different projects or partners?
No, each applicant may participate in only one application.
Can we involve additional team members in our project?
Yes, but we only fund two applicants that should lead the collaboration and deliverables.
Should you have any additional questions concerning this call, please contact us by email: p2p@creativehubs.net
We look forward to receiving your application!
