International Fund for Cultural Diversity
The International Fund for Cultural Diversity (IFCD) invests in the cultural and creative industries to empower countries in the Global South and enrich the entire world
The IFCD is one of the few United Nations funds that supports arts and cultural bodies, government institutions and non-governmental organizations in the Global South to develop stronger cultural and creative industries (CCIs) in their countries. It funds innovative projects across the globe within the fields of cinema, performing arts, visual arts, and media arts, as well as design, music, and publishing. By working together, we are building lasting change so that everyone can express and enjoy diverse cultural expressions. We invest in people who might otherwise not have the chance to upgrade their skills and networks. We also invest in developing and implementing policies that are based on evidence and are inclusive. The goal is to support communities to build thriving cultural and creative industries.
Our impact so far
Since the IFCD was launched in 2010 as part of the UNESCO 2005 Convention on the Protection and Promotion of the Diversity of Cultural Expressions, we have invested more than US$ 10 million in 140 projects across 69 Member States.
This has helped:
- Develop and implement cultural policies that have reshaped entire sectors, creating widespread social and economic benefits.
- Build the skills of cultural entrepreneurs and create new cultural industry business models.
- Create new income opportunities for women, youth, indigenous people and other marginalized groups.
- Identify new markets for creatives to share diverse cultural expressions and for more people to access these.
- Allowed more people to shape their societies’ narrative, promoting social inclusion and fostering peace.
Contact us
UNESCO
Entity for the Diversity of Cultural Expressions (CLT/DCE)
7 place Fontenoy, 75352 Paris 07 SP - France