How does the project work?
The START program comprises three consecutive phases in Germany and Greece:
Phase I: Capacity building in Germany
September - November
The 2-month capacity building program in Germany offers 30 START Fellows the opportunity to enhance their applied knowledge in international cultural management. It also helps them shape their idea for a cultural initiative into a viable project design. A pitching event marks the end of Phase I and leads successful Fellows’ to access the project implementation phase (Phase II).
Phase II: Project implementation in Greece
December - May
The 6-month fellowship and project implementation phase in Greece provides 15 START Fellows with funds, networks, and a support structure to launch their cultural initiative in Greece. It also offers them an opportunity to promote themselves as cultural managers. A 2 day START Fellowship Celebration event concludes Phase II, providing all Fellows with a public platform for their projects and networking opportunities with public and private donors.
Phase III: Scaling the projects in Greece
September - onwards
START Scaling Grants are awarded to exemplary initiatives that have excelled in creating a positive social impact, sparked cultural innovation and shown outstanding potential for future expansion. These project grants are provided by supporting organizations of the program in Greece. Accordingly, the availability, number and amount of Scaling Grants may vary between program years.
Who organizes and supports the project?
START is a program of the Robert Bosch Stiftung, conducted in cooperation with the Goethe-Institut Thessaloniki, and the German Association of Sociocultural Centers, supported by the John S. Latsis Public Benefit Foundation and the Bodossaki Foundation.
Learn more about START
Detailed information on the application process and all related dates and deadlines are available at the START program website