The BEST COLLABORATION AWARD 2012

is designed to reward the best example of collaboration in the North Sea Region of the European Union in 2012, between partners from the creative industries sector and another from society, represented by local government and politics. 

Are you interested in taking part in the competition for the BEST COLLABORATION AWARD 2012? If you are, feel free to join in. 

The 'Creative City Challenge' project, which is part-funded through the Interreg IVb North Sea Region programme, aims to foster creativity and innovation in the North Sea Region. This project unlocks the potential for creativity and innovation in each partner city, represented by business, economic development agencies, educational institutions and local government and intends to disseminate its results across the North Sea Region.

Entries will be judged by an international panel of experts. Through this competition we would like to showcase successful partnerships between the creative industries and partners from society, represented by local government and politics. 

Why not have a go? Applying for the BEST COLLABORATION AWARD 2012 may allow you to promote your company, university or research institution on the international stage!

Who can apply?

The BEST COLLABORATION AWARD 2012 will reward a collaborative partnership between partners from creative industries and society, represented by local government or politics.

For your partnership to be eligible, it is essential that:

• At least one of the collaborating organisations has to belong to one of the following creative  industries: Advertising; Architecture; Arts and Antique Markets; Crafts, Design; Communication Design; Fashion Design; Film, Video, Photography; Software, Computer Games and Electronic Publishing; Music and the Visual and Performing Arts; Publishing, Television and Radio. 
• At least one of the collaborating organisations' headquarters is situated within the borders of the EU North Sea Region (see the adjacent map for details).

Why apply?

• To raise your profile – details of entrants will be publicised through the Creative City Challenge website and related promotional materials.
• To share your innovative practices and learn from others – everyone will be encouraged to network, discuss and debate.
• If you win, you will be ahead of the game as well as benefiting from the resulting international media coverage.

How will entries be judged? 

The Creative City Challenge consortium has defined the evidence of best collaboration in terms of tangible success criteria such as:

• Generation of new ideas, services and products
• Financial return
• Generation of new jobs

When are the deadlines?

• 30. Juni 2012 noon – deadline for entries to be submitted
• July 2012 – Selection of a shortlist of 5 finalists by an international panel of judges
• 20. September 2012 – The overall winner will be announced at an Award Ceremony in Groningen, Netherlands 

What is the prize?

• Trophy
• Scroll signed by the European commission and the consortium of Creative City Challenge
• Presentation of the winning project during a ceremony to an international audience
• Promotion of your contribution through media coverage and international networks
• Travel and accommodation costs for two representatives from each partnership will be met by the organisers

 Application form: BEST COLLABORATION AWARD 2012