Organizer Information
Kɔlchɔ de muv Salone / Culture Moves Salone is an EU-funded programme dedicated to supporting the development of Sierra Leone’s cultural and creative sectors. The initiative strengthens professional skills, networks, and market access for local artists, cultural organisations, and creative businesses through structured mobility and learning opportunities. The programme prioritises decentralisation beyond Freetown, youth and women empowerment, and fosters South–South collaboration across Africa. It works with a wide range of cultural and creative professionals, encouraging skills development, career growth, and cross-cultural exchange.
Title & Description
Culture Moves Salone Mobility Fund 2026 for Sierra Leonean Cultural Professionals
The Culture Moves Salone Mobility Fund 2026 offers Sierra Leonean artists and cultural professionals financial support to engage in national and African mobility opportunities. Participants can undertake activities such as artistic research, residencies, co-productions, performances, workshops, and networking events. The fund promotes exploration, development, learning, and professional connections across Africa. By supporting mobility within Sierra Leone and across the continent, the programme enables cultural professionals to expand their practice, strengthen collaborations, and gain visibility in regional and international cultural networks.
The fund is divided into three tiers:
- Fund 1 – Mobility within Sierra Leone: Supports local artistic and cultural exploration.
- Fund 2 – Mobility across Africa: Facilitates cross-border collaborations and professional growth.
- Fund 3 – Second-stage African Mobility: Provides follow-up support for participants who completed previous mobility projects.
Selected applicants will receive grants of up to 50,000 SLE (~€2,000) for Fund 1, up to 95,000 SLE (~€3,500) for Fund 2, and up to 285,000 SLE for Fund 3. A minimum co-funding contribution of 10% (cash or in-kind) is required. Funding can cover travel, accommodation, production, research, co-creation, and participation in exhibitions, performances, showcases, and professional events.
Categories
Visual Arts, Performing Arts, Theatre, Music, Film, Literature, Cultural Management, Interdisciplinary Arts, Residencies, Workshops, Networking, Research
Eligibility
- Age 18+
- Based in Sierra Leone
- Cultural and creative professionals, including artists, producers, curators, managers, entrepreneurs, researchers, journalists, programmers, and cultural organisations (NGOs, hubs, associations, collectives, or creative businesses)
- Must provide proof of residence in Sierra Leone
- Open to individuals and structured groups (within budget constraints)
Program Benefits & Awards
- Grants covering travel, accommodation, production, and participation costs
- Participation in residencies, exhibitions, showcases, performances, festivals, workshops, and networking events
- Opportunity to develop skills, collaborations, and professional networks nationally and across Africa
- Support for South–South cultural exchange and decentralised cultural engagement
- Recognition within the Sierra Leonean and African cultural sectors
Application Fee
None
Application Requirements
- Completed application form (individual or group)
- Personal and professional information (CV, portfolio, or organisation profile)
- Project or mobility proposal outlining objectives, activities, and expected outcomes
- Co-funding plan (minimum 10%)
- Compliance with fund-specific guidelines for mobility and development
How to Apply?
- Mobility Fund 1 Application Form
- Mobility Fund 2 Application Form
Key Dates
- Fund 1 & 2 Application Period: 23 February – 23 March 2026
- Notification of Selection: Rolling basis
Location
- Organiser Location (Headquarters): Brussels, Belgium
- National: Sierra Leone (various cities beyond Freetown)
- International: Mobility across Africa (specific partner locations)
Additional Details
- Applicants must adhere to the fund guidelines, including the co-funding contribution
- Activities supported include exploration, development, learning, and professional networking
- Fund 3 supports follow-up projects to previous mobility experiences
- Opportunities encourage decentralisation, youth and women empowerment, and cross-cultural collaboration