INTERNATIONAL CALL FOR CULTURAL EXCHANGE PROJECTS
2027–2028 PROGRAMME
Associazione Musicale “Arturo Toscanini” Italy
INTRODUCTION
The Arturo Toscanini Music Association launches the first edition of the International Call for Cultural Exchange Projects, an initiative aimed at selecting innovative proposals capable of creating stable cultural partnerships between Taranto, host city of the 2026 Mediterranean Games, the Apulia Region, and cultural realities from Italy and worldwide.
The Call is born from the experience developed by the Association through collaborations with artists, institutions, organizations, and cultural entities from different countries, with the belief that culture represents a privileged instrument for dialogue, cooperation, mutual understanding, and shared growth.
Through this initiative, the Arturo Toscanini Music Association intends to promote international cultural cooperation by creating opportunities for exchange between artists, institutions, territories, and communities.
This Call is not intended to select events, but to build relationships.
The purpose is not to receive simple requests for concerts, performances, or artistic services, but to identify cultural exchange projects capable of developing long-term collaborations based on reciprocity, shared values, and mutual enhancement of the territories involved.
Art. 1 – OBJECTIVES
The purpose of this Call is to select one or more cultural exchange projects to be developed in collaboration with the Arturo Toscanini Music Association.
The selected projects should promote cooperation between different cultural contexts through:
- music
- opera
- orchestral and choral activities
- artistic training
- masterclasses and workshops
- cultural research
- artistic residencies
- international collaborations
- projects aimed at enhancing cultural heritage
The Call encourages proposals capable of generating lasting relationships and creating opportunities for artistic, educational, and cultural growth.
Art 2 – PROJECT PERIOD
The proposed projects must be developed during the following period:
September 2027 – September 2028
All activities included in the proposal must be compatible with this timeframe.
Art 3 – PROJECT STRUCTURE
Each proposal must include two interconnected phases.
The project must involve:
- one phase in Taranto (Italy), in collaboration with the Arturo Toscanini Music Association;
- one phase in the territory, country, or region represented by the proposing partner.
The order of the two phases is flexible and may be defined according to the nature and needs of the project.
The essential requirement is the creation of a genuine two-way cultural exchange, where each partner actively contributes to the project.
The exchange may take place through:
- artistic productions
- educational activities
- workshops and masterclasses
- concerts and performances integrated into a broader cultural project
- research and cultural initiatives
- professional development opportunities
The project must demonstrate a balanced involvement between the Arturo Toscanini Music Association and the proposing partner.
Art. 4 – PRINCIPLE OF RECIPROCITY
All projects must be based on the principle of reciprocity, ensuring equal value, visibility, and contribution from all parties involved.
Each proposal must equally enhance:
- the cultural identity of Taranto, the Apulia Region, Italy, and the Arturo Toscanini Music Association;
- the cultural heritage, artistic identity, traditions, and community represented by the proposing partner.
The exchange must not be conceived as a simple hosting opportunity or a single artistic service.
The aim is to create a shared cultural pathway where each partner contributes:
- artistic knowledge
- professional experience
- cultural heritage
- human resources
- organizational capacity
Art. 5 – ELIGIBLE APPLICANTS
The Call is open to applicants from all countries worldwide, including European and non-European countries.
Applications may be submitted by:
- public institutions
- cultural organizations
- non-profit associations
- foundations
- universities
- conservatories
- academies
- theatres
- festivals
- orchestras
- choirs
- artistic companies
- museums
- cultural and creative enterprises
- informal groups
- independent artists
- cultural professionals
- researchers
- individual applicants
Both organizations and individuals may apply, provided that the proposed project is consistent with the objectives and principles of this Call.
Art. 6 – NATURE OF THE PROPOSALS
The Call is intended exclusively for projects that promote a genuine cultural exchange between different territories, institutions, artists, and communities.
The proposals must not consist of simple requests for artistic services, individual performances, or isolated events.
The spirit of this Call is to develop shared projects capable of creating long-term relationships based on cooperation, mutual involvement, and cultural dialogue.
Applications consisting only of:
- a single concert proposal;
- a performance without exchange activities;
- an artistic engagement request;
- a commercial collaboration;
will not be considered eligible.
Projects must demonstrate:
- a clear cultural vision;
- a structured exchange model;
- active involvement of all partners;
- artistic and educational value;
- potential for future cooperation.
Particular attention will be given to proposals capable of creating meaningful connections between artists, institutions, educational realities, and communities.
Art. 7 – FINANCIAL PLAN AND PROJECT SUSTAINABILITY
Each proposal must include a detailed financial plan explaining how the project intends to be financed, organized, and managed.
The financial section must include:
- estimated total project budget;
- financial resources provided by the proposing partner (if applicable);
- possible support requested from the Arturo Toscanini Music Association (if requested);
- public or private funding sources (if applicable);
- sponsorships or partnerships (if applicable);
- logistical and organizational resources available.
Projects will be evaluated also according to their capacity to establish a balanced model of shared responsibility, both artistically and financially.
The Call promotes a partnership model based on the principle of equal contribution and involvement, where each party actively participates in the development, organization, and sustainability of the project.
The financial plan must clearly explain:
- what the proposing partner contributes;
- what support is requested from the Arturo Toscanini Music Association;
- how responsibilities are distributed between the partners.
Art. 8 – ASSOCIAZIONE ARTURO TOSCANINI – ARTISTIC AND PROJECT RESOURCES
Within the framework of the selected projects, the Arturo Toscanini Music Association makes available its artistic, educational, and organizational resources, becoming an operational platform for international cultural cooperation.
The proposing partners may develop their projects in collaboration with one or more of the following initiatives:
Premio Classica Due Mari
An international event dedicated to excellence in classical music, promoting artists, performers, and cultural exchange.
Nuova Orchestra della Puglia – NOP
A professional orchestra project aimed at enhancing young talents and promoting orchestral production in the Apulia Region and internationally.
Arturo Toscanini Polyphonic Choir
A choral reality dedicated to the promotion of vocal repertoire, artistic training, and cultural projects.
OperaProLab
An advanced training laboratory for opera singers through masterclasses, workshops, meetings with professionals, and educational activities.
Licia Albanese Advanced Academy for Opera Singers
An advanced artistic training programme dedicated to young opera singers, with the involvement of internationally recognized teachers and professionals.
Mediterranean International Conducting Competition – MICC
An international competition dedicated to young conductors, promoting professional growth and opportunities for international artistic exchange.
Selected projects may involve one or more of these realities through:
- artistic productions;
- educational programmes;
- masterclasses;
- workshops;
- concerts;
- opera projects;
- international collaborations.
The Arturo Toscanini Music Association is therefore not only the promoter of this Call, but an active artistic and production partner.
Art. 9 – APPLICATION PROCEDURE AND FREE PARTECIPATION
Participation in this Call is completely free of charge.
No registration fee, application fee, or any other cost is required for submitting a proposal.
Applications must be submitted exclusively through the official online application form provided by the Arturo Toscanini Music Association.
The application must include:
- complete applicant information;
- project description;
- financial plan;
- required supporting documents.
Incomplete applications or proposals submitted through different methods may not be considered.
During the evaluation process, the Arturo Toscanini Music Association may contact applicants via email to request:
- clarifications;
- additional information;
- supplementary documentation.
Applicants may therefore be contacted if some aspects of the proposal require further explanation.
Art. 10 – REQUIRED DOCUMENTATION
Applicants must provide the following information and materials.
Applicant Profile
- Full name or organization name;
- Contact person;
- Professional role;
- Country of residence or headquarters;
- Email address and contact details;
- Website and social media links, if available.
Curriculum and Experience
Applicants must provide:
- curriculum vitae of the individual applicant or organization profile;
- history of artistic and cultural activities;
- previous national and international experiences;
- previous collaborations and partnerships.
Project Documentation
Applicants must provide:
- project title;
- detailed project description;
- objectives;
- expected impact;
- role of each partner;
- implementation strategy;
- description of the two project phases.
Additional Materials
Applicants must attach:
- artistic portfolio;
- photographs;
- video links;
- brochures or presentation materials;
- any other documentation useful for evaluation.
Art. 11 – EVALUATION CRITERIA
All submitted proposals will be evaluated by the Arturo Toscanini Music Association according to the following criteria:
Artistic and Cultural Quality
The artistic value, cultural relevance, originality, and coherence of the proposal with the objectives of the Call.
Quality of the Cultural Exchange
The ability of the project to create a genuine exchange between territories, artists, institutions, and communities.
Reciprocity and Balance
The capacity of the project to equally enhance the cultural identity of Taranto, Apulia, Italy, and the proposing partner’s territory.
Innovation and Long-Term Perspective
The potential of the project to generate new models of cooperation and future international partnerships.
Educational and Social Impact
The involvement of students, young artists, professionals, local communities, and educational institutions will be considered a significant added value.
Feasibility and Organization
The quality of the project planning, organizational structure, timeline, and the ability of the partners to implement the proposed activities.
Financial Sustainability
The clarity of the financial plan and the capacity to ensure the long-term sustainability of the project.
International Dimension
Particular consideration will be given to proposals capable of strengthening international cultural dialogue and cooperation.
Art. 12 – SELECTION PROCESS AND FINAL OUTCOME
The submitted proposals will be evaluated by a Selection Committee appointed by the Arturo Toscanini Music Association.
The Committee may:
- select one or more projects considered suitable for development;
- request additional information or clarification before the final decision;
- invite applicants to discuss possible co-design opportunities;
- decide not to select any proposal if none of the submitted projects meet the objectives and quality standards of the Call.
The selection of a project does not automatically imply:
- guaranteed funding;
- complete financial support;
- immediate implementation.
Selected projects will be developed through a subsequent dialogue between the Arturo Toscanini Music Association and the proposing partner in order to define:
- artistic contents;
- technical requirements;
- organizational responsibilities;
- financial commitments;
- implementation schedule.
The final realization of each project will depend on the agreement reached between the partners and on the availability of the necessary resources.
Art. 13 – REQUESTS FOR CLARIFICATION
During the evaluation phase, applicants may be contacted by email for further clarification regarding their proposal.
The Arturo Toscanini Music Association may request:
- additional information;
- updated documents;
- further explanations regarding the artistic concept;
- clarification of the financial plan;
- details regarding organizational aspects.
Applicants may also contact the Association through the official communication channels indicated in the Call for any questions or requests for information before submitting their application.
The possibility of being contacted for clarification does not represent a guarantee of selection.
Art. 14 – APPLICATION PERIOD
The International Call for Cultural Exchange Projects – 2027–2028 Programme will be open for applications during the following period:
- Opening Date: 16 July 2026
- Application Deadline: 18 October 2026, 11:59 PM (CEST – Central European Summer Time)
Applications must be submitted exclusively through the official online application form within the application period indicated above.
Applications received after the deadline or submitted through methods other than the official online application form will not be considered.
The Arturo Toscanini Music Association reserves the right to extend or amend the application period if necessary. Any changes will be communicated through the Association’s official communication channels.
Art. 15 – DATA PROTECTION AND USE OF MATERIALS
By submitting an application, the applicant authorizes the Arturo Toscanini Music Association to process the personal data provided exclusively for purposes related to:
- evaluation of the proposal;
- management of the selection process;
- communication regarding the Call;
- possible development of future collaborations.
The submitted materials, including texts, photographs, videos, and documents, will be used exclusively for evaluation purposes related to this Call.
Personal data will be processed in accordance with applicable privacy regulations.
Art. 16 – FINAL VISION
The Arturo Toscanini Music Association, operating in the cultural context of Taranto, host city of the 2026 Mediterranean Games, launches this International Call as an instrument of cultural cooperation, dialogue, and shared growth.
Through music and artistic exchange, the Association aims to create bridges between territories, institutions, artists, and communities from different countries.
The Call represents an opportunity to develop international partnerships based on:
- artistic excellence;
- cultural dialogue;
- mutual respect;
- education;
- innovation;
- shared responsibility.
The Arturo Toscanini Music Association believes that culture has the power to connect people, promote knowledge between different communities, and create lasting relationships beyond geographical borders.
Art. 17 – OFFICIAL INFORMATION
Arturo Toscanini Music Association
Taranto – Apulia – Italy
International Call for Cultural Exchange Projects
2027–2028 Programme
For any further information or clarification, please contact: info@associazionearturotoscanini.it
Applications must be submitted exclusively through the official online application form.
Application is completely free of charge.