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 creative hubs—organisations or spaces that support creative and cultural practitioners—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, expands its focus to include creative hubs. Recognising the critical role hubs play in strengthening Iraq’s creative economy, this iteration offers selected hubs a tailored 5-day in-person bootcamp in Erbil. The programme will focus on operational growth, community development, financial sustainability, and sector leadership.

A total of 10 creative hubs will be selected. Each hub will nominate two participants (including one senior representative) to attend the bootcamp, participate in a group mentoring phase, and later apply for seed funding to support the development of their creative hub. 

Objectives 

  • Strengthen the operational and leadership capacities of creative hubs. 
  • Review and improve business and financial models. 
  • Equip hubs with tools for strategic planning, investment readiness and social impact. 
  • Build sustainable models that support creative practitioners and engage communities. 
  • Foster collaboration and knowledge exchange among creative ecosystem actors. 

Who can apply? 

The programme is open to creative hubs (co-working spaces, incubators and community organisations) in Baghdad, Basra, Mosul, and Sulaymaniyah that meet the following criteria: 

  • Hub profile: must be a physical or digital space that supports creative or cultural practitioners through training, events, residencies, co-working, resources or services. 
  • Established operation: must have been active for at least 2 years. 
  • Team capacity: must nominate 2 key team members (including at least one senior representative) to attend the bootcamp. 
  • Track record: demonstrated history of programming or services for the creative community. 
  • Female inclusion: hubs led by or strongly supporting female creatives are highly encouraged to apply. 
  • Location: must be based in Baghdad, Basra, Mosul, or Sulaymaniyah. 

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 participating hubs will be eligible to apply for seed funding. Up to 4 hubs (one per city) will receive this support to enhance their operations, increase community impact, or pilot new services. 

How to apply 

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

Your online application will include:

  • Organisation profile: A summary of your mission, activities, audiences, achievements and staff structure. 
  • Explanation of your motivation to participate, expected benefits for your hub and team, and how the training aligns with your strategic goals. 
  • Development plan: Outline how you would use seed funding and mentoring to develop your hub and increase community impact post-training. 
  • Team details: names, roles and brief bios of the two representatives who will attend the training. 

Notes: 

  • Applications may be completed in English, Arabic, or Kurdish. 
  • Only successful applicants will be notified. 

Selection criteria 

  • Eligibility: meets all required criteria. 
  • Impact: strong potential for community and sector impact. 
  • Feasibility: practical and well-structured development plans. 
  • Diversity: geographic and gender representation will be considered. 
  • 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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