The Headley Southeast European Cultural Heritage Fund is pleased to announce the results of its second open call for project proposals. This year’s call drew remarkable interest from across the region, with 86 applications submitted by museums, cultural institutions, and civil society organizations from 11 eligible Southeast European countries. The overwhelming response highlights both the vibrancy of the region’s heritage sector and the urgency of supporting innovative approaches to preservation, interpretation, and sustainable heritage use.
Following a highly competitive selection process, eight outstanding projects were selected for funding. These projects reflect a wide variety of themes, disciplines, and geographic locations, ranging from digital storytelling and mobile museums to craft empowerment and memory reconstruction.
Museum of Literature and Performing Arts of Bosnia and Herzegovina: Threading Words into Wearables: A Capsule Collection Inspired by Bosnia-Herzegovina’s Literary Heritage
This project explores the intersection of literary and material culture through the co-creation of a capsule clothing collection inspired by the museum’s archival holdings related to women writers. In collaboration with artisans from the “Udružene” collective, digitized archival content will be transformed into wearable narratives. The initiative culminates in a pop-up exhibition, online presentation, and open-source guidelines, contributing to the visibility of underrepresented heritage and empowering local female artisans through creative reuse.
Alzheimer Bulgaria Association: Heritage with Care – Cultural Memory for People with Dementia
Focusing on the intersection of heritage, care, and accessibility, this project introduces adapted cultural formats for individuals living with dementia. It includes the development of new interpretive services, training of cultural staff, the creation of a “Dementia Friends” label for institutions, and a digital map highlighting inclusive spaces. As an innovative model for the Balkan region, the project demonstrates how cultural heritage can become a medium for social inclusion, dignity, and community awareness.
Fondacija Neozoik (Serbia): Let’s Not Grind the Past
Through ethnographic research, student engagement, and advanced digital documentation, this interdisciplinary project focuses on the preservation of one of Serbia’s last operational watermills in the village of Senokos. The project seeks to safeguard both the tangible structure and its associated intangible knowledge. Activities include 3D modeling, oral history collection, educational programming, and exhibitions that connect local stakeholders with cultural institutions and reinforce the value of everyday heritage in rural environments.
World Music Association of Serbia: LHTMApp – Mapping Living Human Treasures
This initiative supports the development of an intuitive digital tool for identifying and mapping “Living Human Treasures”—individuals who safeguard traditional knowledge and practices. The LHTMApp will serve as a resource for cultural policymakers and heritage professionals while promoting regional cooperation in safeguarding intangible cultural heritage. The project contributes to systematic documentation and supports communities in recognizing the social and cultural value of their living heritage bearers.
House of Jevrem Grujić / Collection Sečerović-Conić (Serbia): Our Museum, Your Experience – Heritage REMIX
Aiming to redefine visitor engagement, this project introduces co-created storytelling tours and personalized interpretation strategies tailored to younger and underrepresented audiences. Through participatory processes and creative engagement methods, the initiative seeks to reposition museum heritage as a dynamic space for dialogue and expression. The project integrates digital technologies and inclusive methodologies to ensure broader access and relevance.
Cultural Nook (Albania): Mobile Museum “the nook in motion”
Addressing cultural exclusion in remote areas, this project establishes a mobile museum that will travel to underserved communities in Albania. Local youth will collect, document, and co-curate exhibitions focused on family heritage objects and narratives. The initiative promotes intergenerational learning and strengthens community identity, while also partnering with the National Historical Museum for a professional exhibition. A digital archive will ensure long-term access to this grassroots cultural material.
Center for Research and Valorization of Architectural Heritage VAM (Serbia): VEČITO – Bogdan Bogdanović: BiH, Serbia, North Macedonia and Croatia connected by monumental heritage
Focusing on the transnational legacy of architect and urban theorist Bogdan Bogdanović, this project engages local communities and professionals in BiH, Serbia, North Macedonia and Croatia to investigate his monumental heritage. Through exhibitions, a series of children and youth workshops, a conservation seminar, and an international conference with a printed publication, the project fosters regional dialogue and a critical re-engagement with public memory and contested monuments.
Public Institution Jevto Dedijer Cultural Center (Bosnia and Herzegovina): Virtual museum “On the Move”, Museum Bileca, Bosnia and Herzegovina
This project addresses the absence of a functioning museum in the municipality of Bileća by developing a virtual museum as an alternative platform for safeguarding and presenting local cultural history. Drawing on ongoing archaeological research, the initiative will create a digital space for public access, education, and heritage interpretation. In addition to preserving the memory of the destroyed museum and its collections, the platform will support local engagement and serve as a resource for developing heritage-informed tourist itineraries in Herzegovina.
Congratulations!
The Headley SEE Cultural Heritage Fund remains committed to empowering cultural heritage actors across Southeast Europe by fostering sustainable practices, encouraging regional exchange, and supporting initiatives that combine traditional knowledge with contemporary methodologies. A strong emphasis is placed on community participation, social inclusion, and long-term impact.
We extend our sincere congratulations to all selected grantees and look forward to following the implementation of their projects. Updates on progress and results will be regularly published on our website and communication channels.