The Institut Français is now accepting proposals for the 2026 Mediterranean Season (Saison Méditerranée 2026).
Announced in June 2023 by the President of France, Saison Méditerranée will take place in 2026 as a platform for artists, entrepreneurs, and innovators to collaborate across the Mediterranean region. At a time when support for cultural activities is considerably low, the initiative is expected to foster cultural and creative exchanges, encourage cross-border projects, and celebrate the dynamic contributions of young people and diasporas.
“This Season will highlight the cultural and economic strengths and complementarities of the countries surrounding the Mediterranean, and their capacity for joint action to meet the challenges of the 21st century. A cradle of great civilisations, sharing, and migration, the Mediterranean is also the world's leading tourist destination, central to climate, economic, mobility, and intercultural issues,” reads a statement on the Institut Français website.
The Saison Méditerranée 2026 will primarily take place in France from 15 May to 31 October 2026. It is implemented by the Institut Français under the supervision of the Ministry of Europe and Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Culture. The general curatorship of the Season has been entrusted to Julie Kretzschmar – a veteran cultural player in the CCIs.
Financial Support Request and Eligible Expenses
Any request for financial support under the Mediterranean Season must comply with the Institut Français grant regulations, available at the website.
If a project receives funding, the financial support will be granted to the French applicant organisation, which will be responsible for distributing it among its partners.
This funding may cover expenses incurred by both the French organisation and its partners, based on a contractual agreement among them.
The Mediterranean Season cannot fully fund a project. Additional funding from other sources must be secured. The Institut Français contribution will not exceed 50% of the total project budget and will only cover eligible expenses.
Funding for the Season will come from public and private sponsorship sources. Some labelled projects will be selected by a sponsors' committee established by the Institut Français. These projects may receive additional funding covering up to 50% of the total budget, provided they offer sponsorship benefits such as visibility on communication materials, event invitations, or privileged access to specific events.
The selection committee may award funding that is lower than the amount requested by the applicant organisation.
Eligibility criteria
To be eligible, a project must:
Include a complete application (filled-out digital form ).
Fall within the event timeframe (15 May – 31 October 2026).
Be submitted by a French organisation (legal entity) responsible for project administration.
Be a cooperative project involving partners from Mediterranean countries, with at least one partner from Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, Egypt, or Lebanon.
Include a jointly signed letter of cooperation from all partners.
Align with at least one of the Season’s themes (NB: make sure you read and fully understand these on the guidelines provided on the official call) :
Speculative Utopias
Plural Identities
Contemporary Spiritualities
The Collective History of Migrations
The Construction of Narratives
How to Apply
The first call for project proposals is open until 23 April 2025 (11:59 PM, Paris time). Interested applicants can submit their proposals via the IFProg platform: Apply Here
A second call for projects will open in September 2025.
Who Can Participate?
The call is open to artists, cultural organisations, entrepreneurs, and innovators operating in the Mediterranean region with projects that promote intercultural dialogue and regional collaboration. Whether through art, technology, or social initiatives, selected projects will contribute to an inspiring and unified Mediterranean experience.
Particular attention will be paid to proposals designed primarily with professionals from the following countries: Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, Egypt, and Lebanon, given the importance of existing links with civil society actors in these countries. The projects may involve other partners and operators from all shores of the Mediterranean.
Don’t miss this opportunity!
Your funding experts
InterArts Funding offers its expertise to assist you in applying for grant opportunities (including this one), leveraging our extensive experience to enhance your chances of securing the grant. It is important to clarify that InterArts Funding is an independent entity and is not affiliated with any specific funding organisation. While we have a commendable track record of success, we cannot guarantee the approval of your application. Grant outcomes depend on various factors beyond our control.