Counseling Available During Summer Break, Too

Consultation Before Submitting an Application

Those interested can present their project ideas to the foundation team during a consultation. A project outline and a preliminary cost and financing plan can serve as a basis for this. Consultation appointments are also available during the summer break. To ensure that feedback and suggestions can be incorporated into the project proposal, it is recommended to schedule a consultation as early as possible—especially for larger projects or those new to the “grant application process.”

First Deadline for “AI & Culture” Projects

The regular grant program is being expanded to include a thematic focus on “AI & Culture”: With this fourth funding priority, the LWL-Kulturstiftung is exploring the potential of artificial intelligence for practical cultural work.

Funding is provided for projects that explore the interplay between human creativity and technology through the use of AI and develop new forms of expression. This provides cultural practitioners who already use AI in their artistic work—or who are interested in doing so—with the opportunity to explore new avenues, critically examine AI, and help shape the future in a responsible manner.

The funded projects are intended to raise awareness of the topic in Westfalen-Lippe through events and programs in 2028 and to encourage dialogue. The role of AI in the project should be clearly explained in the application.

There are many examples of AI in the arts: from theater productions in which AI appears as an independent voice, to museum exhibits featuring AI-generated responses from the subjects of portraits, to video installations that use AI to respond to the audience’s mood.

The 14th LWL Culture Conference in 2025 also focused on this topic. It demonstrated that cultural practitioners approach technology with curiosity and openness, while at the same time raising questions about how to use it responsibly. With “AI & Culture,” the LWL-Kulturstiftung is translating this topic into practical cultural work.

Eligibility Criteria and Application Process

The funding criteria and guidelines apply to all projects—whether or not they are related to “AI & Culture.” These include, for example, a regional focus, a supra-local scope, a network-based nature, and the potential to generate public interest.

In general, the LWL-Kulturstiftung supports time-limited projects in all cultural fields. Applications may be submitted by nonprofit organizations and public-law entities. An application form and a template for the cost and financing plan are available for download on the website.

The LWL-Kulturstiftung provides all information regarding funding criteria, the application process, specific details about “AI & Culture,” and contact persons on its website. Answers to frequently asked questions and additional information on the topic of “AI & Culture” are also available there.