The Institut français, in partnership with the Goethe-Institut and Expertise France, invites applications for Connect & Create, a funding programme supporting performing arts and music initiatives that foster sustainable cultural collaboration between Sub-Saharan Africa and the European Union.
12 August 2026
Open Call:
Applications are open for the second 2026 call of ‘Connect & Create ‘, the Sub-Saharan Africa component of the Africa Europe Partnerships for Culture programme, funded by the European Union. The programme supports projects that strengthen artistic exchange, professional mobility, touring, and cultural cooperation between Africa and Europe through the performing arts and music. It aims to build long-term, equitable, and sustainable partnerships while expanding opportunities for artists and cultural professionals across both regions.
Institutional Context:
Connect & Create is delivered through a partnership between the Institut français, Goethe-Institut, and Expertise France. Launched in 2025, the programme seeks to strengthen cultural ecosystems by supporting collaboration, mobility, and professional exchange between organisations and practitioners across the 48 countries of Sub-Saharan Africa and the 27 member states of the European Union. Over three years, the initiative will support hundreds of artists and cultural professionals through four strategic strands: circulation of performing arts, professional mobility, skills enhancement, and creative tandems.
Eligibility and Criteria:
The current open call supports two funding strands:
- Circulation of Performing Arts and Music, supporting tours and the presentation of African artistic productions at major events in Africa and Europe.
- Professional Mobility, supporting organisations and international events that host delegations of performing arts and music professionals, excluding artists, from Africa and Europe.
Eligible applicants must be organisations or project leaders based in one of the 48 Sub-Saharan African countries or one of the 27 European Union member states. Projects should promote international collaboration, strengthen professional networks, and contribute to the long-term development of the performing arts and music sectors. Priority will be given to initiatives that:
- Support younger generations
- Promote emerging artistic scenes.
- Demonstrate originality and strong local relevance.
- Foster lasting collaborations
- Incorporate environmentally responsible approaches.
- Prioritise inclusion and accessibility.
Evaluation Process:
Applications will be assessed according to their contribution to strengthening Africa-Europe cultural partnerships, their artistic and professional relevance, and their potential to create sustainable networks and opportunities within the performing arts and music sectors. Projects that demonstrate long-term impact, innovation, and meaningful collaboration across regions will be prioritised.
Practical Information:
Application deadline: 30 September 2026
The current call covers the Circulation of Performing Arts and Music and Professional Mobility strands. Additional calls for the Skills Enhancement mentoring programme are scheduled to open in September 2026, while the Creative Tandems strand follows a separate call cycle.
Applications and Queries:
Applications should be submitted through the Institut français Connect & Create online application portal before 30 September 2026. Applicants are encouraged to consult the programme guidelines and frequently asked questions available on the website. An information webinar accompanied the launch of the current call, and further details on eligibility, funding, and application requirements are available through the programme’s website.
