For International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, Intersexism, and Transphobia (IDAHOBIT) 2026, the Goethe-Institut South Africa transforms into a living, guided exhibition – a multi-sensory journey through queer expression, curated and led by queer filmmaker, author and creative strategist Renaldo Schwarp.
The institute is inviting a select group of artists from across Sub-Saharan Africa to become part of this immersive experience.
What you need to apply
The International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, Intersexism, and Transphobia is held under the global theme “At the Heart of Democracy”, as announced by the global IDAHOBIT Advisory Committee.
This exhibition interprets that theme through a focused lens: language. Particularly how language has historically been used to exclude, police and erase queer identities – and how queer communities continuously reshape, subvert and reinvent language as a tool of identity, resistance and belonging.
Submissions may be personal or political, poetic or confrontational, intimate or collective, as long as they engage thoughtfully with diversity, inclusion, and LGBTQIA+ rights. Your work should engage with this idea – directly or abstractly.
Who can Apply
- Artists from or based in Sub-Saharan Africa
- Emerging and established creatives welcome
What selected artists receive
- Inclusion in a curated, immersive exhibition at Goethe-Institut Johannesburg
- A $300 USD / ±R5000 honorarium
Submission requirements
- Artist bio (max 200 words)
- Project description (max 300 words)
- Up to 5 images or links to video/audio
- Technical requirements
Entry details
Cost: Free entry. Submit an email with the subject ‘IDAHOBIT 2026 Submission’ to [email protected]
When: Submissions should be made by Friday, 10 April 2026 and selected artists will be notified by 20 April 2026. If you don’t hear back by then, consider your application unsuccessful.
Where: Goethe-Institut South Africa, 119 Jan Smuts Ave, Parkwood, Johannesburg
Website: goethe.de/ins/za
Email: [email protected]
Tel: 011 442 3232
Instagram: @goetheinstitut_southafrica
Facebook: @goethe.joburg
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