About UNESCO 

The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations that seeks to build peace through international cooperation in education, the sciences, culture, communication, and information. By promoting knowledge, cultural diversity, and sustainable development, UNESCO works to strengthen the foundations of lasting peace and shared prosperity across the world. 

Within the EU-funded project "Reviving Mosul and Basra Old Cities", Phase III, UNESCO is empowering young cultural entrepreneurs, women, and civil society organisations in Iraq. This initiative aims to promote creative industries and cultural initiatives. By providing targeted support and fostering strategic partnerships, UNESCO strengthens the sustainability and impact of the local cultural ecosystem. 

About the British Council 

The British Council supports peace and prosperity by building connections, understanding and trust between people in the UK and countries worldwide. We combine the UK’s deep expertise in arts and culture, education and the English language, with a global presence in over 100 countries. We work directly with individuals to help them gain skills, confidence and connections to transform their lives and shape a better world. We also partner with governments and institutions to create lasting impact, reaching over 650 million people in 2021–22. 

Call for applications 

UNESCO and British Council Iraq are pleased to invite cultural and creative entrepreneurs from Baghdad, Basra, Mosul and Sulaymaniyah to apply for a new professional development opportunity under the Iraq Creative Futures programme. Deadline for applications: 3 November 2025 

About the programme 

In 2022, the British Council conducted Iraq’s first creative economy mapping, which highlighted the urgent need for infrastructure and support for creative industries, particularly in skills development. In response, the Creative Enterprise Bootcamp was piloted in 2024, supporting 10 entrepreneurs through training and mentoring, with 4 receiving seed funding. 

Building on this foundation, the 2025 edition, Iraq Creative Futures, extends the creative enterprise training to 20 cultural and creative entrepreneurs to build their capacity through essential creative business skills training and seed funding. The project aims to help increase the participants’ entrepreneurial confidence and investment readiness in order to sustain and scale up their enterprises, and this can provide an economic boost to the local communities and create more jobs in the creative and cultural sector. 

Participants will attend a 5-day bootcamp, participate in a group mentoring phase, and later apply for seed funding to support the development of their creative enterprise or venture. 

Objectives 

  • To enhance the business, leadership, and project development skills of early-to-mid-career creative professionals, to be able to develop sustainable creative enterprises/interventions that have cultural and social value and can secure financial investment. 
  • To improve understanding of the creative economy and its potential as a driver of cultural, economic, and social value. 
  • To equip participants with the tools and strategies needed to advocate for and grow the creative sector in their communities. 

Who can apply? 

The programme is open to 20 creative and cultural practitioners and entrepreneurs in leadership positions, aged 25–35, from Baghdad, Basra, Mosul, and Sulaymaniyah. 

We are looking for talented and diverse creative practitioners to participate in this programme and would welcome applications from under-represented groups, including persons with disabilities. 

Essential criteria 

Experience (3–8 years): Applicants must demonstrate a track record of work in the creative sector (professional, educational or voluntary). Typically, they will be early - mid career practitioners who have recently assumed a leadership position or are clearly demonstrating leadership potential. 

Age: 25–35 years old. 

Location: Residents of Baghdad, Basra, Mosul, or Sulaymaniyah. 

Equality: We aim for at least 50% female participation. 

Important Note: All selected participants must commit to attending and fully engaging in the 5-day in-person training in Erbil (20–25 hours total). 

Post-bootcamp opportunity 

Upon completing the bootcamp and mentoring phase, all participants will be eligible to apply for seed funding. Up to 12 participants will receive this support to develop, scale up, or sustain their creative enterprises and increase their economic or social impact. 

How to apply 

Please submit the completed online application form and supporting documents through one of the following links: 

Your online application will include: 

  • Explanation of your motivation to participate, expected benefits for creative enterprise, and how the training aligns with your strategic goals. 
  • Description of your current creative enterprise: its objectives, the desired impact (for example, how it’s responding to a local challenge or a need and how it helps support other creatives), and the vision and plan for further developing it. 
  • Development Plan: Outline how you would use seed funding to develop and scale up your creative enterprise. 

Notes: applications may be completed in English, Arabic, or Kurdish. - Only successful applicants will be notified. 

Selection criteria 

  • Eligibility: Does the applicant meet the essential criteria? 
  • Feasibility: Is the idea clearly presented and achievable? 
  • Purpose and Impact: Does the initiative address a clear need or issue creatively? Does it contribute to Iraq’s creative economy? 
  • Geographic Representation: At least 2 participants will be selected from each of the four cities. 
  • Readiness: Evidence of commitment and ability to benefit from the programme. 

Application timeline 

  • Open call launch: 19 October 2025 
  • Application deadline: 3 November 2025 at 11:59 PM. Late applications will not be considered. 
  • Notification: successful applicants will be informed within 10 days of the deadline. 
  • Training date: end of November – Beginning of December 2025 

Need more information? 

For questions or clarifications, please contact: Nabaa Algaber

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