Cluster 2: Culture, Creativity and Inclusive Society

Funding for collaborative research and innovation that strengthens democracy, protects cultural heritage and supports inclusive social and economic change.

At a glance

• Calls: Calls open from May 2026 onwards, with closing dates in September 2026, as well as May and September 2027.
• Opportunity type: Collaboration, funding
• Award: Most projects receive between €3 million and €5 million. Funding varies by call and topic.
• Sectors: Creative industries, digital, global, robotics and artificial intelligence, sustainability

Overview

Culture, Creativity and Inclusive Society is one of the 6 clusters within Horizon Europe’s Pillar 2: Global Challenges and European Industrial Competitiveness.

It supports research and innovation that strengthens democracy and fundamental rights, protects cultural heritage and helps societies respond to social, economic, technological and cultural change.

Projects often bring together organisations from research, the cultural and creative industries, government, civil society, education, technology and the voluntary sector.

What Cluster 2 funds

Cluster 2 funding is grouped into 3 main areas.

Democracy and governance

Strengthening democratic institutions, participation, trust, fundamental rights and media freedom.

This includes research on electoral integrity, rule of law, parliamentary processes, political participation and civic engagement. Projects may address disinformation, media literacy, polarisation, freedom of the press, or the role of digital platforms in shaping public debate. They may also develop approaches to rebuilding trust in public institutions and democratic processes.

Work in this area supports implementation of the EU Democracy Action Plan and contributes to protecting and renewing democratic culture across Europe.

Cultural heritage and the cultural and creative industries

Protecting cultural heritage and supporting innovation, resilience and competitiveness across the cultural and creative sectors.

This covers conservation, digitisation and interpretation of heritage sites and collections, adaptation of heritage to climate change, and the cultural and creative economy. Projects may address the economic resilience of creative industries such as design, fashion, music, games, film, crafts and performing arts, or explore heritage as a driver of sustainable tourism, social cohesion and local identity.

Work in this area may link to wider EU work on cultural diversity, creative industries and the New European Bauhaus initiative.

Social and economic transformations

Understanding and responding to changes in work, education, migration, inequality, wellbeing and social inclusion.

This includes research on the future of work, automation and digitalisation of labour markets, skills and lifelong learning, poverty and social exclusion, migration and integration, demographic change and population ageing. Projects may develop new approaches to social policy, education reform, labour market support or the design of welfare systems that can respond to rapid economic and societal change.

Work in this area draws heavily on social sciences and humanities expertise, and aims to support fair and inclusive transitions across European societies.

Who this is for

Cluster 2 funding is mainly for organisations working together in international consortia.

It may be relevant for:

• universities and research organisations
• cultural and creative businesses, start-ups and SMEs
• museums, galleries, libraries, archives and heritage organisations
• arts, media and cultural organisations
• charities and civil society organisations
• local and national public authorities
• policy organisations and public services
• education and training providers
• technology, digital and artificial intelligence organisations
• social enterprises and community organisations
• organisations working on equality, democracy and human rights.

The partners and expertise needed will depend on the individual topic. Some calls may require cultural organisations, public authorities, civil society groups, businesses, policymakers or communities to be involved.

Social sciences and humanities expertise is central to many Cluster 2 calls.

Most calls are not intended for individuals applying alone.

Eligibility

Most Cluster 2 calls require an international consortium.

Unless the topic states otherwise, the consortium usually needs at least 3 independent legal entities:

• at least one established in an EU Member State
• at least 2 others established in different EU Member States or Horizon Europe associated countries

The UK is associated to Horizon Europe, so UK organisations can take part and receive funding as members of an eligible consortium.

Individual topics may include additional requirements relating to:

• the types of organisations involved
• stakeholder or community participation
• cultural, creative or heritage expertise
• public authority or policymaker involvement
• social sciences and humanities expertise
• international cooperation
• gender and equality considerations
• the type of action and funding rate

Always check the full topic conditions before applying.

Check your eligibility for Horizon Europe funding

European Partnerships

European Partnerships provide another way to access research and innovation funding linked to this cluster. They bring together the European Commission with national authorities, industry and other organisations to support shared research and innovation priorities.

Partnerships may offer funding opportunities through Horizon Europe calls or through calls and programmes managed by the partnerships themselves.

Explore European Partnerships and find out how they work.

Next steps and support

1. Read the Cluster 2 Work Programme 2026–2027 (PDF) and the relevant call topic for the latest priorities, eligibility rules, budgets and deadlines.
2. Read the Horizon Europe Culture, Creativity and Inclusive Society guidance for more information on how to plan and prepare your proposal on their website.
3. Build or join an eligible international consortium — find partners and build a consortium — and agree partner roles, activities, responsibilities and costs.
4. Contact the Culture, Creativity and Inclusive Society NCP for further guidance and support with your application.

Find current Cluster 2 calls

Open and upcoming Culture, Creativity and Inclusive Society calls, official call documents and submission deadlines are listed on the EU Funding & Tenders Portal.

Find and apply for Cluster 2 calls on the EU Funding & Tenders Portal

Registering for EU Login and a PIC

To apply for funding through the EU Funding & Tenders Portal, you need an EU Login account. If you do not already have one, register for an EU Login account on the EU Funding and Tenders portal.

Your organisation also needs a Participant Identification Code (PIC) to be included as a participant in a funding application and to manage the grant if the application is successful. If your organisation does not yet have one, find out how to register your organisation and get a PIC on the EU Funding and Tenders portal.

Last updated: 9 September 2026

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