The BIFC – which was originally set up in 2006 by ECF and partner organisations – will be re-named the “Balkans Art and Culture Fund”. With financial support from ECF, the new fund will continue to support cultural initiatives and organisations in the Balkan region and those wanting to work with partners in the Balkan region.
After consultation with our funding partner Open Society Foundations, ECF decided that the BIFC fund would be better managed in the region and after a careful process of selection by open call has connected with ArtAngle. See the film explaining the move.
Developed in conjunction with the Swiss Cultural Programme, based in Sarajevo, Belgrade and Skopje, ArtAngle is well positioned in the region and has a broad coverage and knowledge of the cultural sector. Their ambition is to offer organisations in the region a broader opportunity to access seed money – using ECF’s funding as leverage to attract further interest and commitment and to create further possibilities for cultural influence in the Balkan region.
To celebrate the launch of the Balkans Art and Culture Fund, Katherine Watson attended the Swiss Cultural Programme “Cultural Encounters – Collaboration, Achievements and Perspectives” in Sarajevo on the 12 April at 14.30, where there was be an introduction to the fund, also with ECF Grants Manager, Maite Garcia Lechner.
