Short Description

Connect and Create – Cultural Partnership is a programme funded by the European Union up to €8 million, which aims to strengthen cultural links between sub-Saharan Africa and Europe through equitable, inclusive and sustainable cooperation. It is implemented by a consortium made of the Goethe-Institut and Expertise France, in collaboration with Institut français and EUNIC.
The programme aims to encourage collaboration, exchange and circulation both within the African continent and between sub-Saharan Africa and the countries of the European Union. The project also wishes to highlight the active involvement of young people and the promotion of cultural diversity.
Institut français and Expertise France are playing a key role in the field of performing arts and musics by implementing mobility, international co-production and exchange programmes for artists and professionals based in one of the 48 countries of sub-Saharan Africa or in one of the 27 European Union member states.

Eligibility

Projects must be led by partnerships consisting of an organisation based in sub-Saharan Africa and an organisation based in Europe that are active in the performing arts and musics sector and committed to a long-term collaboration and the exchange of best practices. The partnerships may be formed by associations, foundations, cultural institutions, private companies, etc., which can demonstrate significant experience in the field of performing arts and musics and which must meet the following conditions:

  • Be based in one of the 48 countries of Sub Saharan Africa or one of the 27 countries of the European Union
  • Be able to provide a legal registration document from the relevant authorities
  • Have been legally established for at least two (2) years
  • Have a bank account that can receive international transfers
    • Be a legal entity
    • Ensure that the activities supported within the framework of this project are nonprofit, in accordance with the conditions.

All performing art disciplines, including:

  • Theatre
  • Dance
  • Performance art
  • Music
  • Puppetry
  • Circus arts
  • Street arts

Eligible Countries:

Sub-Saharan African Countries:

  • Angola, Benin, Botswana, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cabo Verde, Ethiopia, Gabon, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Cameroon, Central Africa Republic, Chad, Comoros, Democratic Republic of Congo, Republic of Congo, Côte d’Ivoire, Djibouti, Equatorial Guine, Eritrea, Eswatini

Non-Eligible Countries

  • Kenya, Lesotho, Liberia, Madagascar, Malawi, Mali, Mauritius, Mozambique, Nambia, Niger, Nigeria, Algeria, Egypt, Libya, Morocco, Tunisia

European Union Member States:

  • Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Rwanda, São Tomé and Príncipe, Senegal, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Somalia, South Africa, South Sudan, Tanzania, Togo, Uganda, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Malta, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden.

Eligible Activities are:

  • Artistic co-creations or co-productions
  • Creative or artistic research residencies
  • Mutual training and learning programmes

Eligible projects must meet the following conditions:

  • Be implemented in Africa, in a European Union country, or in both territories
  • Have an implementation period of between 18 and 24 months
  • Take place between March 2026 and March 2028

Submission Requirements

  • A project presentation file
  • A provisional budget
  • An implementation schedule
  • A logical framework
  • A form describing the applicant’s financial and organisational capacity
  • A letter of commitment from the European partner
  • A mandate for the main applicant
  • A sworn statement regarding exclusion criteria and the absence

How to Apply

Online Application

Program Benefits & Awards

Geographical Coverage: Countries of Sub-Saharan Africa and of the European Union.
Total Budget: 600,000 € maximum.
Amount of provided support: From 20,000 € to 60,000 €.
Support Requirement: The support allocated may not exceed 50% of the overall project budget.
Applicants must provide proof of additional funding amounting to 50% (in cash or in kind).
Modalities: The funding will be paid to the African organisation for the implementation of the joint programme.
Payment will be made in two instalments:

  • 80% upon signing the contract
  • 20% upon completion of the project, upon presentation of a narrative and financial report.

Please note: Applicants must include in their provisional budget the cost of two (2) return air tickets (one per representative of each beneficiary organisation) to attend an international event in sub-Saharan Africa. The Connect and Create programme will cover the accommodation costs, as well as all logistical aspects of this trip, with the exception of the cost of air tickets.

Entry Fee

None

Location

France

Timeline

  • Application Deadline: 14 December 2025

Website Link: https://www.ifprog.emundus.fr/en/campagne-info?view=programme&cid=301

Grant