2024 call for projects from the Fund for cultural cooperation between the Territoire de Belfort and the Canton of Jura

The Department of the Territory of Belfort and the Republic and Canton of Jura have decided to continue the Fund for Cultural Cooperation (Fonds BelJu) between the two territories. The objectives of this fund are to encourage and support partnerships and collaborations between Jura and Belfort stakeholders in the fields of performing arts, heritage, sport and youth. A call for projects is launched from 1^is July to October 31, 2024.

A call for projects from the BelJu Fund is launched from 1^is July to October 31, 2024. A new regulation, available online, specifies the eligibility criteria and the terms and conditions for submitting applications. This calendar also aims to support the current dynamic of cooperation between the Territoire de Belfort and the canton of Jura, which are working to strengthen existing cross-border partnerships and develop new ones within the framework of an integrated territorial cooperation plan (PTIC), financed by the Interreg France-Switzerland program.

Historically, the Territoire de Belfort and the Canton of Jura have been linked since 1988 by a cooperation agreement. In 2006, the signing of a new agreement laid the foundations for the cultural cooperation fund (Fonds BelJu). Since 2007, this fund has supported dozens of cross-border collaborations or projects. These include the Fest’hiver cross-border youth song festival, the Tournée des Plages (cross-border street and circus arts festival), the Iceberg project (cross-border program to support emerging artists) and the start of collaborations between Viadanse (National Choreographic Center of Burgundy-Franche-Comté based in Belfort) and Evidanse (network of actors from the canton of Jura and the Bernese Jura to promote dance).

These multiple projects demonstrate the wealth of cultural scenes on both sides of the border, but also the existence of a real need for cooperation between them. Furthermore, the Belfort and Jura authorities have decided to broaden the scope of the BelJu Fund beyond projects related to the performing arts. The objective is now to also support cross-border actions or projects in the fields of heritage, sport and youth. Another new feature is that the creation of partnerships and projects involving stakeholders from Alsace and the Basel metropolitan area will be encouraged. The BelJu Fund will be funded jointly by the Department of the Territoire de Belfort and the Canton of Jura to the tune of 60,000 francs/euros per year.