Goethe-Institut–led programme invites individual practitioners to apply for €4,000 mobility grants supporting intra-African and Africa–Europe exchange; deadline 15 March 2026
The Africa–Europe Partnerships for Culture programme has opened a call for proposals under its Sub-Saharan Africa, Connect & Create component, offering mobility grants for individual artists and cultural professionals based in Sub-Saharan Africa and the European Union.
Implemented by the Goethe-Institut in partnership with Expertise France and Institut français, the €8 million programme runs from 2025 to 2028. It seeks to foster peer learning, co-creation and equitable cultural exchange between African and European practitioners. The mobility scheme prioritises short-term exchanges that strengthen artistic practice, expand professional networks and support sustainable international collaboration.
Grant structure and geographic scope
The mobility grants primarily support Africa–Africa exchanges, with additional provision for travel between Sub-Saharan Africa and Europe. Individual grants of up to €4,000 per mobility are available, with approximately 60 grants expected to be awarded in this round.
The funding covers travel, accommodation and subsistence through a combination of flat-rate travel allocations and location-specific lump sums. Additional support is available for applicants who require family assistance, disability-related access support, or environmentally sustainable travel options. Approved additional support does not count toward the €4,000 maximum grant amount.
Mobilities must begin on or after 1 June 2026—applications close on 15 March 2026 at 23:59 CAT.
Eligibility and supported activities
The scheme is open to individual applicants aged 18 or older who are professional artists or cultural practitioners working across disciplines, including visual arts, performing arts, music, literature, film, media arts, cultural heritage, design, architecture and fashion. Applicants must be currently based in Sub-Saharan Africa or an EU Member State and must demonstrate a confirmed partnership, invitation or professional engagement in the destination country.
Only individual applications are eligible. Practitioners working within collectives or organisations must submit individual proposals outlining their own professional development objectives.
Eligible activities include artistic research, collaborative development projects, participation in residencies, invitations to exhibitions or festivals, attendance at conferences, and structured professional training. The programme emphasises exchanges that deepen artistic understanding, foster peer learning and contribute to longer-term professional networks.
Evaluation and application process
Applications will undergo a multi-stage evaluation process assessing eligibility, artistic quality, relevance to programme objectives, preparation and potential impact. Selection also considers geographic diversity, gender balance, inclusion and representation across career stages and linguistic contexts.
Successful applicants will enter into a grant agreement outlining reporting obligations before, during and after the mobility period.
Applications must be submitted in English via the Goethe-Application Portal. Required documentation includes a portfolio, a CV or professional biography, confirmation of the mobility activity, a project timeline, a passport copy, and a completed budget template. Supporting documents such as letters of invitation or festival confirmations are accepted as proof of engagement.
All applications must be submitted by 15 March 2026. Queries related to the call must be submitted by 8 March 2026.
The Sub-Saharan Africa, Connect & Create mobility grants are funded by the European Union and implemented by the Goethe-Institut in partnership with Expertise France and Institut français. Further information is available at www.goethe.de/aepc.
