The 15 fellows selected develop collaborative artistic practices in areas such as welcoming migrants, combating social exclusion, urban regeneration and civic participation. Each will receive financial support worth 60,000 euros and specialised training over 18 months, with the aim of strengthening their local action and creating links at European level.

This is the first edition of the Alliance for Socially Engaged Arts Fellowship programme, launched in January. Faced with challenges such as rising inequality, the climate crisis and democratic regression, the programme aims to support leaders of arts organisations who work with their communities to generate positive social impact. The initiative is the result of a collaboration between 11 European foundations, including the Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation.

In the words of Luís Jerónimo, Chair of the Alliance: “These Fellows are transforming arts and culture from the ground up. Deeply rooted in their communities, they are showing how socially engaged arts can advance justice, strengthen connections, and drive cultural democracy. In an era of mounting crisis and division, their work is a powerful call for Europe to invest in the arts as a force for change”.

Among those selected are Alona Karavai, from Ukraine, who runs an inclusive cultural space in a context of war; Samra Said, from the UK, who uses theatre as a tool for political intervention with homeless people; and Marta Silva, founder of Largo Residências, a project that links art, territory and community in Lisbon.

“In a global context that is experiencing rising inequalities and growing intolerance, the role of socially committed cultural organisations is fundamental”, says Marta Silva. “This programme is truly unique because of the possibility of strengthening European cooperation between peers and because it is concerned with caring for those who often struggle alone and even against the odds or in precarious conditions”.

Developed and implemented in collaboration with The Audience Agency, Culture Action Europe and the Fitzcarraldo Foundation, the Fellowship recognises the fundamental role of participatory arts in building fairer and more resilient societies, and calls on decision-makers, funders and institutions to integrate these practices into their cultural and social development strategies.