Short Description

Many cultural organisations in Germany are intensifying their collaboration with international partners. There is a growing demand to organise these partnerships in a more fair and sustainable way. In addition to joint artistic work, it is becoming more and more important to engage in an equal dialogue about different expectations, resources and complex decision-making processes. For example, how do German and international theatre-makers select plays together when much of the material has never been adapted for the stage? How can exhibition architects learn from each other when certain standards of their work are different? How is the budget managed? Who holds the rights to collaboratively developed works? How do partners find a common approach to sustainability despite having differing views of what sustainability means? And what does a culture of openness and understanding look like in practice? 

A key factor in such processes is time. To enable cultural institutions in Germany to find new partners in non-European countries and implement long-term artistic projects, the German Federal Cultural Foundation has launched the programme WAYS – Towards Fair and Sustainable International Partnerships (formerly: Transcontinental Partnerships). WAYS helps cultural institutions and independent groups in Germany to establish long-term artistic collaborations with non-European partners especially from Africa, Latin America and the Caribbean, the Middle East, Oceania, and Central-, South- and Southeast Asia and to carry out joint projects over a period of years. A central focus of collaboration concerns fairness and sustainability, the terms of which the partners will jointly define in addition to developing their artistic projects in an equitable manner.

Eligibility

Cultural organisations (cultural institutions or independent groups) in Germany or a non-European country may apply for Initiation funding, especially those from Africa, Latin America and the Caribbean, the Middle East, Oceania, and Central, South and Southeastern Asia. Institutions which are exclusively focused on education, professional training and scientific research, as well as cultural associations, solo artists and individual researchers are not eligible to apply. Furthermore, joint applications submitted by multiple cultural organisations are not permitted. Cultural organisations that comprise several institutions are permitted to submit a maximum of two Initiation Fund applications for consideration.

How to Apply

  • Wednesday, 10 September 2025 – 2.00-3.30 p.m. CEST (English/German)
    Register now

Program Benefits & Awards

Applicants can be awarded up to EUR 27,000 per research and Initiation project. The minimum amount for which you may apply is EUR 20,000.

Funding is primarily intended to cover travel expenses in both directions (Germany or non-European countries), accommodation, workshops, fees (for independent groups), charges (e.g. visa application fees), possible advice services provided by our cooperation partner, the Goethe-Institut, and measures for compensating air travel emissions.

Entry Fee

None

Location

Germany

Timeline

  • Application Deadline: 1 October 2025

Website Link: https://www.kulturstiftung-des-bundes.de/en/programmes_projects/sustainability_and_future/detail/ways.html

Fund