The Fund was established in November 1974 at the 18th session of the General Conference in order to give 'greater prominence to culture in the development of individuals and societies and of strengthening international cultural cooperation,' as well as to provide 'assistance for artistic creation and cultural activities.'
The International Fund for the Promotion of Culture (IFPC) is intended to promote:
- cultures as sources of knowledge, meanings, values and identity;
- the role of culture for sustainable development;
- artistic creativity in all its forms, while respecting freedom of expression;
- international and regional cultural cooperation.
To achieve these aims, the Fund’s resources will provide financial support on the basis of a call for proposals for:
- the cultural and artistic projects of creators in developing countries;
- culture and development strategies and programmes;
- the reinforcement of national mechanisms, structures and facilities whose purpose is to support cultural activities and artistic creators in developing countries;
- the organization of exchanges to foster international cooperation support cultural and artistic projects.
Priority is given to young artists/creators (18-30 years old) and to projects benefitting youth.
The Fund’s resources consist of voluntary contributions made by governments, international or national agencies or organizations and other public or private entities or individuals; donations, endowments, gifts and bequests allocated for purposes consistent with the Fund; interest accruing from the Fund’s resources including any interest earned on investments; any other resources authorized by the Financial Regulations of UNESCO or by resolutions of the General Conference.