The European Commission has published a new call for proposals for ‘Supporting culture as a vector of democracy and economic growth’ under the thematic programme “Investing in People”. Deadline for submission of concept notes is 18 December 2012. “Investing in People” pursues a broad approach to development and poverty reduction, with the general aim of improving human and social development levels in partner countries in accordance with the United Nations Millennium Declaration and the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). This is a restricted Call for Proposals. In the first instance, only Concept Notes must be submitted for evaluation and, thereafter, pre-selected applicants will be invited to submit a Full Application Form. The global objective of this Call for Proposals is to support culture as a vector of democratisation, diversity and socio-economic development. Two lots are included with the following specific objectives: • Lot 1: Encourage cultural expressions which promote diversity, intercultural dialogue and human and cultural rights, in the context of reconciliation, conflict resolution and democratisation • Lot 2: Strengthen capacities of cultural actors for the development of a dynamic cultural sector contributing to economic growth and sustainable development The overall indicative amount made available is EUR 22 200 000. Full documentation is available online on the EuropeAid website (call reference ‘133529’). (Source: DG EAC website)