Anastasiia Obraztsova: UCF launches call for mentors for future grantees of the Cultural Horizons programme

The Ukrainian Cultural Foundation has opened a call for mentors who will support grantees of the international programme Cultural Horizons. The application period will run until May 3, 2026. The initiative is implemented in partnership with Cultural Vistas gGmbH with financial support from the European Union.

The Cultural Horizons programme aims to strengthen Ukraine’s cultural sector and foster the integration of Ukrainian artists into the European cultural space. High-quality mentorship is essential for the success of future projects.

"Mentorship is an important component of this project and, at the same time, a new support format for us. We believe in peer-to-peer interaction, which creates space for developing competencies, international exchange, and building professional connections that will outlast the project itself. That is why mentors will work with grantees during the implementation phase, enhancing the sustainability and impact of supported initiatives", — said Anastasiia Obraztsova, the Executive Director of UCF, during the programme presentation.

Who are the programme mentors?

Mentors of the Cultural Horizons programme are experienced cultural professionals from the EU and Ukraine. Their role is to provide targeted peer-to-peer support to grantees during project implementation. UCF invites all those with valuable experience and professional networks in the European cultural sector to join and support Ukrainian artists and cultural professionals.

The participation process consists of two stages:

1. Selected professionals will be invited to take part in a specialised online training course for future mentors, where they will learn how to effectively share their knowledge and support others. The course will take place from June 1 to July 17, 2026. The training is a key step in building the mentor pool: it combines practical mentoring tools, experience exchange among participants, and opportunities for networking and aligning Ukrainian and European approaches to working with cultural projects. The course format allows participants to combine learning with their professional activities.
2. After completing the training and certification, mentors will accompany grantees, helping to make their initiatives more sustainable and impactful.

Eligibility criteria:

• residence in Ukraine or EU countries;
• interest in international exchange and openness to intercultural cooperation;
• proficiency in English (B2 level or higher);
• experience in project work in the cultural and creative sectors;
• understanding and commitment to the principles of inclusivity, gender equality, and diversity;
• for mentors based in Ukraine: having or being ready to register as an individual entrepreneur (FOP/Sole Proprietor, Group 3).

"We expect to engage up to 90 participants in the course, of whom at least 45 will go on to join the mentorship support phase. For participants, this is not only an opportunity to share their experience, but also to work on new projects, expand their professional networks, and contribute to strengthening the cultural ecosystem", — added Anastasiia Obraztsova.

To apply, candidates must complete the application form in English. Please note that the form includes questions about motivation, which should be given special attention. At the same time, there is no need to strive for “perfect” wording — what matters most is real experience, motivation, and eagerness to join the programme.

If you have any questions, please contact us at: [email protected]

The Ukrainian Cultural Foundation is a state investor in the development of culture and creative industries. The institution was established in 2017 under the ‘On the Ukrainian Cultural Foundation’ law. Project support is provided on a competitive basis across seven sectors: auditory arts, visual arts, audiovisual arts, cultural heritage, literature, performing and stage arts, and cultural and creative industries. Over nine years of operation, UCF has supported 3,207 projects that continue to shape society. The total investment amounts to nearly UAH 2.5 billion, reaching an audience of over 50 million people.

Cultural Horizons is an international project by the Ukrainian Cultural Foundation and Cultural Vistas (Germany), combining grant support, mentorship, and professional exchange between Ukraine and EU countries. It contributes to strengthening Ukraine’s cultural sector and social cohesion by supporting partnership-based initiatives, as well as expanding access to cultural practices for Ukrainians affected by the war. The initiative is co-funded by the European Union. However, the views and opinions expressed are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA). Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.