International Fund for Cultural Diversity 2025: An Opportunity for Cape Verde

UNESCO's International Fund for Cultural Diversity (FIDC) represents a crucial opportunity for Cape Verde to strengthen and promote its rich and vibrant culture. In 2025, the FIDC will continue to support projects aimed at implementing the 2005 Convention on the Protection and Promotion of the Diversity of Cultural Expressions. This article explores the importance of the FIDC for Cape Verde, details the areas of funding, and offers insights into how Cape Verdean organisations and individuals can maximise their chances of successful application.

What is the International Fund for Cultural Diversity?

The FIDC is a multilateral fund established by UNESCO to invest in projects that promote the diversity of cultural expressions in developing countries. The main objective is to support the emergence of a dynamic and sustainable cultural sector that contributes to economic and social development at local and global level.

Main objectives of the FIDC:

• Support policies and measures that protect and promote the diversity of cultural expressions.
• Strengthen the capacities of cultural institutions and professionals.
• Promote international co-operation in the field of culture.
• Encourage the participation of civil society in the formulation and implementation of cultural policies.

The importance of FIDC for Cape Verde

Cape Verde, with its unique cultural identity resulting from the fusion of African, European and Brazilian influences, has a lot to gain from FIDC's support. Cape Verdean culture, expressed in music (morna, coladeira, funaná), dance, handicrafts and literature, is a fundamental pillar of national identity and an engine of economic development, especially through cultural tourism.

The FIDC can help Cape Verde:

• Preserving and promoting intangible cultural heritage, such as morna, recognised by UNESCO as Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
• Developing creative cultural industries such as music, film and audiovisual production.
• Strengthening the skills of artists and cultural professionals through training and technical support.
• Promoting access to culture for all citizens, regardless of their geographical location or socio-economic status.

FIDC Financing Areas

The FIDC finances projects in various areas, including:

• Implementation of cultural policies: Support for the formulation and implementation of policies that promote the diversity of cultural expressions.
• Capacity building: Training and technical support for artists, cultural professionals and cultural institutions.
• Artistic creation and production: Support for the creation, production and distribution of cultural works.
• Access to culture: Initiatives that promote access to culture for all citizens.
• International co-operation: Projects that promote cooperation between countries in the field of culture.

Examples of Projects Financed by the FIDC

Although there are no specific examples of projects funded by the FIDC *in Cape Verde* (it is important to check UNESCO's official website for up-to-date information), we can cite examples of projects funded in other countries that can serve as inspiration:

• Project in Senegal: Support for the creation of a training centre for film industry professionals.
• Project in Haiti: Strengthening the capacities of local communities in the production of traditional handicrafts.
• Project in Colombia: Development of an online platform to promote traditional Colombian music.

These examples demonstrate the diversity of projects that can be financed by the FIDC and its ability to generate a positive impact on local communities.

How to Apply for FIDC in 2025: Tips for Success

To increase their chances of success in applying to the FIDC, Cape Verdean organisations and individuals should:

• Read the FIDC guidelines carefully: Understand the eligibility criteria, funding priorities and application requirements.
• Develop a solid, well-structured project: Clearly define the project's objectives, activities, expected results and budget.
• Demonstrate the potential impact of the project: Explain how the project will contribute to promoting the diversity of cultural expressions and to Cape Verde's socio-economic development.
• Forming strategic partnerships: Collaborate with other organisations and cultural institutions to strengthen the project and increase its chances of success.
• Present a clear and concise application: Use clear and objective language and provide all the information requested in an organised and complete manner.

Conclusion

The International Fund for Cultural Diversity 2025 represents a valuable opportunity for Cape Verde to invest in its culture and promote its socio-economic development. By supporting projects aimed at protecting and promoting the diversity of cultural expressions, the FIDC contributes to building a more inclusive and sustainable future for Cape Verde. Cape Verdean organisations and individuals are encouraged to explore this opportunity and submit solid and innovative applications that demonstrate the potential of Cape Verdean culture to generate positive impact at local and global level.

For more information and to submit your application, visit the official UNESCO website:

UNESCO - International Fund for Cultural Diversity

Deadline for submitting applications: To be announced (check UNESCO website)