During the latest Infoday on the EU Culture Programme on 17 May 2010 in Brussels the European Commission announced the introduction of a new strand for festivals specifically. Under the new strand the very specific needs of festivals compared to other cultural organisations are taken into account. So far, festivals were financed as a sub-category of strand 2 (operating grants). With the introduction of the new scheme – Strand 1.3.6 – the Commission aims to adapt the support to the specifics and needs of European Cultural Festivals and to improve the operation of the scheme, both for the beneficiaries and the Education, Audiovisual and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA). In particular, the strand aims to encourage exchanges of experience through the mobility of European professionals and artists, to promote the circulation of cultural works and to promote intercultural dialogue. Both application for annual and multi-annual support is possible. Next submission deadline is 15 November 2010. To find our more about the conditions of the strand, consult the new Culture Programme Guide and the presentation of the festival strand. Information on the Culture Programme in general and its other strands – including funding for cultural networks and cooperation projects – can be found on the Agency’s website.