The Fondation Sommer is a private grant-making foundation under Luxembourg law, recognized as being of public utility. Created in 2016 by Pierre Brahms and governed by statutes and the law of August 7, 2023, as amended, on non-profit associations and foundations (the “2023 law”), the foundation aims to support the “empowerment” of children and young people in Luxembourg through arts and culture.
Appels à projets
By means of three calls for projects, the Sommer Foundation aims to support several participatory projects that will use culture and the arts as tools for free self-expression, and that will translate its goal of empowering people into concrete activities involving children and young people, thereby having a positive impact on our society.
The next deadlines for sending the applications are:
- January 26, 2026 (jury decision: February 24, 2026)
- May 11, 2026 (jury decision: June 09, 2026)
- September 28, 2026 (jury decision: October 27, 2026)
Prior to submitting your application, do not hesitate to contact us to discuss the project and check its eligibility.
Call1 for projects: Cultural projects in pairs
Call for projects for:
- cultural and educational structures
-
cultural structures and active structures for citizenship, integration and social action
for the execution of a joint project.
Call2 for projects: Educational projects
Call for projects for artists, cultural structures and active structures for citizenship, integration and social action, for the development of educational activities as part of an artistic or cultural project.
Call3 for projects: Joint intercultural projects
Call for projects for cultural initiatives promoting intercultural exchange in Luxembourg (projects submitted in teams).
Projects supported
Through the projects that it supports, the Sommer Foundation aims to stimulate the minds of children and youngsters and make them more inquisitive so that they can participate in our society through the medium of culture and the arts. It encourages the creation of new forms of cooperation between partners from different communities and with different viewpoints, so that the people and cultures in Luxembourg may understand each other better.
Whatever it takes
“Whatever It Takes” is the result of an intercultural, youth-led creative journey, created in partnership with Luxembourgish artist Matthew Philip De Cae.
Young people aged 12 to 26, from diverse cultural backgrounds, took the lead in designing, directing, and performing the official video. The song — written and performed in 110 languages — celebrates self-confidence, identity, and perseverance. This project gave young talents the chance to drive the full creative process, expressing themselves through music, movement, and video. More than a video, it’s a celebration of collaboration across cultures and a testament to the power of creativity, unity, and resilience.
© CNCIBäerbelendag mat de Kanner
“Bäerbelendag mat de Kanner” is a school-based and intergenerational project by the National Centre for Industrial Culture (CNCI), which enabled primary school pupils from Esch-sur-Alzette to discover the traditions of Saint Barbara as well as Luxembourg’s mining heritage.
From 24 November to 3 December 2025, creative and educational workshops introduced children to the meaning and symbols of this celebration, ahead of their participation in the procession held on 4 December in the streets of the city. By engaging with the history and symbolism of Saint Barbara through various artistic practices, the children were able to express their ideas, make creative choices, and give meaning to a national tradition that is often little known. Discussions sometimes arose from their observations and questions. The story of Saint Barbara also provided an opportunity to address contemporary themes such as youth empowerment, freedom of thought, and the development of critical thinking.
The project thus fostered cultural transmission and strengthened intergenerational ties around this tradition, which has been included since 30 November 2022 in the national inventory of intangible cultural heritage under the category of social practices.
© Bohumil KOSTOHRYZOpera "L’Enfant et les sortilèges"
The multidisciplinary project based on Maurice Ravel’s opera “L’Enfant et les sortilèges” brought together students, teachers, professional artists, and local partners in an ambitious artistic creation blending music, theater, and dance. Led by the Conservatoire du Nord in collaboration with the Centre des Arts Pluriels, this educational and cultural project aimed to make opera accessible to all while promoting inclusion and professional development for the participants.
Three public performances, including one for schools, reached a wide audience, with the participation of students aged 8 to 65. Guided by performing arts professionals, the young artists experienced the realities of stage production and developed essential artistic and interpersonal skills.
Mat Iech – Outreach and cultural mediation programme
“Mat Iech” is the title of a project launched in 2022, which embodies Elisabeth Schilling & Company’s passion for outreach and awareness-building. Today, this project has become an essential programme within the company Making Dances asbl, aiming to create a more flexible format that focuses on mediation and interaction, while preserving the performative aspect. It enables the presentation of Elisabeth’s larger-scale works to a different audience — one that does not have access to performances held in theatres or cultural institutions where these works are usually staged. The goal is to make dance accessible to a wide audience in diverse ways.
Locked Out – Youth Lens on Housing
The ‘Locked Out, Youth Lens on Housing’ project is a creative documentary initiative by Youth Work Synergie asbl that brings together young people living in Luxembourg to explore the housing crisis through their own eyes. The young people learnt the basics of documentary filmmaking, ranging from storytelling to camerawork, cinematography, lighting and editing. Through practical workshops, they acquired technical skills whilst developing their ability to tell personal and socially engaged stories.
The project went beyond mere technical training: it established itself as a genuine space for expression, enabling young people to take ownership of their stories and actively participate in public debate. The final documentary, enriched with interviews with experts and young people directly affected, was screened publicly, followed by in-depth discussions with the audience.
These discussions, which were often in-depth and enriching, brought together key figures from the housing sector, offering participants the opportunity to share their perspectives directly with those involved in this issue.
Studio Lokal
Led by the non-profit organization Muse, “Studio Lokal” is an educational project designed to support young people in discovering careers in the creative and artistic fields. Through a series of hands-on workshops (photography, graphic design, filmmaking, calligraphy, interior design), guided by professionals in the sector, participants gain practical skills and benefit from personalized mentoring.
The project primarily targets young people aged 16 to 30 and also includes guidance sessions focused on academic and career orientation, with particular emphasis on helping participants prepare applications for artistic studies.
In collaboration with cultural institutions in Luxembourg, “Studio Lokal” aims to improve access to arts education, promote local talent, and foster cultural inclusion.
Vergiess de Gaardenzwerg
As part of the 10th edition of the Marionettefestival, the project “Vergiess de Gaardenzwerg” offered students from the Campus am Ale Bësch (commune of Esch-sur-Sûre) a unique artistic and educational experience in a rural setting. Guided by scenographer Lynn Scheidweiler, the children transformed everyday objects and recycled materials into imaginary creatures inspired by object theatre. This creative work took place in the form of playful and collaborative workshops, encouraging experimentation, hands-on exploration, and theatrical staging. The resulting artworks were exhibited in the village of Tadler during the festival, as part of an immersive and participatory trail.
In addition to the workshops, the pupils attended a festival performance, met artists, toured backstage areas, and helped collectively install the artworks. The project culminated on June 10, 2025, with a festive morning of school performances, bringing together pupils from formal and non-formal education institutions across the commune of Esch-sur-Sûre.
This project gave children meaningful exposure to creativity, ecology, and the appreciation of local heritage, while strengthening their teamwork, curiosity, and joy in creating together.
Ame, San et le Lion rouge
The project “Ame, San and the Red Lion” is an original theatrical creation for young audiences (ages 10 and up), produced by the company Les FreReBri(des). Through the story of a blended family, the play explored the fears and emotions of children facing the arrival of a new parent, while subtly addressing the challenges faced by single mothers, particularly in the Luxembourgish context.
In addition to the performance, a significant educational component was implemented: interactive workshops in schools allowed students to participate in the creative process, express their own family experiences, and discover the conventions of theatre. A special performance and a roundtable discussion were also dedicated to single mothers.
This project not only promoted inclusion and drew attention to the fight against stereotypes associated with modern family structures, but it also provided a space for intergenerational dialogue.
L C Danser – Warriors 360° - Dance Meets Martial Arts
The project “L C Danser – Warriors 360°” was an educational, cultural, and participatory initiative of the Lycée Classique de Diekirch, aimed at students from diverse academic backgrounds, with particular attention given to students in technical education and Clija classes. By combining contemporary dance and hip-hop with martial arts and body expression, this project fostered social inclusion, well-being, and the personal development of the participants.
Building on the project “L C Danser – To the Rhythm of Colors”, supported by the Sommer Foundation in 2023-2024, “Warriors 360°” capitalized on the success of this first experience, which had revealed the positive impact of dance within the LCD. This new edition enriched the project by integrating martial arts, thus offering students the opportunity to push their limits, explore new forms of expression, and strengthen their self-confidence. Thanks to the involvement of external artists, the students took part in all stages of the creative process, becoming active contributors to their own artistic expression.
© ARKSustainable art as a bridge for social integration in Luxembourg
Through the project “Sustainable art as a bridge for social integration in Luxembourg,” the non-profit organization ARK uses art as a means of inclusion and empowerment. By providing children and families in vulnerable situations, including refugees, with access to art workshops inspired by sustainable techniques, this project promotes their social and cultural integration.
During the 2024/2025 school year, thanks to multilingual teaching and creative activities, participants build self-confidence, learn French, and benefit from a safe and supportive space for self-expression. Currently, 23 young people are enrolled in the program. While “Express Yourself Through Art and a Sustainable Lifestyle” was the motto of the first semester, the second focuses on “Famous Artists from Around the World Using Sustainable Materials and Techniques.”
The exhibitions and events organized each semester strengthen community bonds and raise awareness of the importance of a sustainable lifestyle.