Short Description

The Sub-Saharan Component, Connect & Create of the Africa-Europe Partnerships for Culture programme is implemented by the Goethe-Institut in partnership with Expertise France and Institut français. This €8 million programme runs for 42 months (2025-2028) and promotes equitable dialogue and cooperation between African and European cultural actors, fostering co-creation, exchange, and mutual understanding.

This mobility scheme primarily supports transcontinental (Africa-Africa) short-term mobility for artists and culture professionals across all sectors. European artists and organisations may also apply, provided they have an existing partnership with an African artist, institution, or organisation. The scheme aims to strengthen partnerships within Africa, enhance career development, and create new opportunities for cultural exchange across Sub-Saharan Africa and with Europe.

Grant Information

  • Maximum Grant Amount: €4,000 per mobility
  • Total Grants Available: Up to 195 grants over the programme period
  • Application Type: Rolling basis with regular quarterly cut-off dates
  • Coverage: Physical, digital, and hybrid mobilities
  • Geographic Focus: Sub-Saharan Africa (primary), Europe (secondary)

Mobility grants may support the following activities:

Artistic and Professional Development

  • Research of cultural heritage, cultural ecosystems, and practices to inform or inspire artistic creativity
  • Co-creation or co-development purposes with artists from other countries
  • Participation in non-formal learning programmes
  • Development or reinforcement of international professional relationships

Cultural Exchange and Networking

  • Invitation to take part in residencies, exhibitions, or other art world events
  • Professional conferences, workshops, or training programmes
  • Collaborative projects with international partners

Mobility Types Supported

  • Physical Mobility: Traditional travel-based exchanges
  • Digital/Virtual Mobility: Online residencies virtual collaborations, digital cultural exchanges
  • Hybrid Mobility: A Combination of physical and digital components

Eligibility

The programme focuses first on strengthening connections within Africa, supporting travel between African countries to build continental networks and collaborations. We also welcome applications for Africa-Europe exchanges, particularly where you have existing partnerships or invitations from European institutions. You must be based in Sub-Saharan Africa or an EU country to apply.

Artist or culture professional linked to artistic disciplines, including:
Visual arts, performing arts, music, literature, film, media arts, cultural heritage, design, architecture, fashion design

How to Apply

Online Application

Program Benefits & Awards

Maximum Grant Amount: €4,000 per mobility grant

Eligible Costs

Travel Costs:

  • International and domestic travel expenses
  • Visa and insurance costs (actual costs, refund basis)

Accommodation:

  • Sub-Saharan Africa: €70 per night
  • European Union: €141 per night

Subsistence:

  • Sub-Saharan Africa: €25 per day
  • European Union: €49 per day

Digital/Connectivity Costs:

  • Data packages for digital/hybrid mobilities
  • Platform subscriptions for virtual collaborations
  • Technical equipment rental (where necessary)

Entry Fee

None

Location

Germany

Timeline

  • Cut-off 1: 15 December 2025
  • Cut-off 2: March 2026
  • Cut-off 3: June 2026
  • Cut-off 4: September 2026
  • Cut-off 5: December 2026
  • Cut-off 6: March 2027
  • Cut-off 7: June 2027
  • Final Cut-off: 15 September 2027

Website Link: https://www.goethe.de/prj/aep/en/cal/ssa/mga.html