Open Call for Proposals: Earn a Chance to be Awarded a Performing Arts and Music Grant

The Africa-Europe Partnerships for Culture: Sub-Saharan Africa component invites performing arts and music creatives and practitioners to apply for the grant call for the Circulation of Performing Arts and Music as well as the Professional Mobility Grant in Performing Arts and Music.

This ambitious project, led by the Goethe-Institut and Expertise France in partnership with Institut français, embodies the Team Europe spirit and seeks to renew and strengthen cultural ties between Sub-Saharan Africa and the European Union through the principles of equity, inclusion and sustainability.

Performing Arts and Music Grant © johnnyclezmayoma9 | What's on in Joburg — ©johnnyclezmayoma9

The Circulation of Performing Arts and Music Grants

This call supports the dissemination and circulation of African artistic productions across Europe and Africa with the objective to strengthen the visibility of African artists and artistic teams, support their integration into professional networks, expand their performance and presentation opportunities and facilitate access to new audience.

The call invites creatives and artists in theatre, dance, puppetry, circus arts, street arts music and all live performances.

Who can apply?

Artistic teams: performing arts companies, musical ensembles and Africa-based collectives;
distribution and support organisations: production agencies, artist development organisations, artist support organisations, record labels, performances venues and cultural spaces based in Africa or Europe;
Events: festivals, professional markets, trade fairs and professional networking events held in Africa or Europe.

Applicant organisations must be based in one of the 47 eligible countries in Sub-Saharan Africa (which includes South Africa).

Eligible costs

The programme covers costs related to the mobility of artistic teams, including:

international, national and local transportation costs for individuals travelling in economy class or equivalent;
visa and insurance costs;
accommodation and per diem;
transportation of scenographic and technical equipment required for performances.

The grant may not exceed 70% of the total project budget. Applicants must demonstrate at least 30% co-financing (cash and/or in-kind contributions).

Project criteria

Projects must:

Demonstrate originality, strong contextual relevance and a distinctive artistic approach;
foster long-term collaborations;
support younger generations;
promote emerging artistic scenes;
integrate environmentally sustainable approaches;
address inclusion and accessibility.

Projects must take place between February and December 2027, in Africa or Europe.

Get more information and apply online now. Applications are open until 30 September 2026, and selected projects will be announced in January 2027.

Performing Arts and Music Grant Vagabundus d’Idio Chichava ©DR | What's on in Joburg — Vagabundus d’Idio Chichava ©DR

Professional Mobility Grants for Performing Arts and Music

The grants support the mobility of cultural professionals, networking initiatives, artistic cooperation and mutual learning among African and European stakeholders.

The call invites international organisations and events hosting delegations of performing arts and music professionals to apply.

Who can apply

Delegations may notably include:

programmers/curators;
producers;
agents;
event organisers;
network coordinators;
company representatives;
festival representatives.

Objectives of the mobility programmes

Projects must propose programmes designed for cultural professionals. Activities may include:

opportunities to discover local and international artistic scenes;
training activities;
conferences and experience-sharing sessions;
networking activities;
B2B meetings.

Composition of delegations

Delegations must consist of a minimum of eight cultural professionals aged 18 or over, from one of the 47 eligible countries in Sub-Saharan African countries.

Delegations must demonstrate a strong international dimension:

at least five different nationalities for delegations of eight to ten professionals;
at least eight different nationalities for delegations of more than ten professionals.

Eligible events

Mobility programmes may be integrated into international events such as:

festivals, trade fairs and professional markets;
conventions, seminars and symposiums;
workshops and professional meetings.

Types of supported mobility

Mobility to Europe: support will be provided exclusively to African professionals.
Mobility to Sub-Saharan Africa: support may be provided to both African and/or European professionals.

Eligible costs

The programme covers costs related to the mobility of professionals participating in the delegations, including:

international, national and local transport costs for participants travelling in economy class or equivalent;
visa and insurance costs;
accommodation and per diem;
translation costs.

The grant awarded may not exceed 70% of the total project budget. Applicants must demonstrate at least 30% co-financing (cash and/or in-kind contributions).

Project criteria

Projects must:

Demonstrate originality, strong contextual relevance and a distinctive artistic approach;
foster long-term collaborations;
support younger generations;
promote emerging artistic scenes;
integrate environmentally responsible practices;
address inclusion and accessibility.

Projects must take place between February and December 2027, in Africa or Europe.

Get more information and apply online now. Applications are open until 30 September 2026, and selected projects will be announced in January 2027.