Organizer Information
CIVFUND is an Afro-feminist fund based in Uganda that provides flexible, accessible, and responsive funding for civil society initiatives across Africa. Registered as a company limited by guarantee with no share capital, CIVFUND manages multiple social justice funds to strengthen the capacity of civil society to influence change and improve community well-being. Its mission includes empowering artists, activists, and civic actors to promote social impact through creative, cultural, and civic engagement. The Kuonyesha
Art Fund is one of the funding streams under CIVFUND, dedicated to supporting, nurturing, and developing art across Africa. “Kuonyesha” is a Swahili word meaning “to show,” reflecting the Fund’s commitment to elevating and celebrating African art and artists.
Title & Description
Kuonyesha Art Fund 2026–2027 Grants
The Kuonyesha Art Fund invites African artists and collectives to submit project proposals for funding in the 2026–2027 cycle. The program aims to support high-quality, original artistic projects that engage with society, foster community participation, and explore innovative and interdisciplinary practices. Projects should critically engage with urgent socio-political issues, expand access to art, and create opportunities for broader audiences to interact with and experience artistic expression.
The
Fund supports artists at all stages: established professionals, mid-career creators seeking a “push,” and emerging artists experimenting with new ideas. Projects may take place in traditional and non-traditional spaces, across urban and rural contexts, and may involve collaborative or cross-sectoral approaches, integrating art with community activism, research, science, or technology.
Categories
The Fund supports a wide range of artistic disciplines and creative practices, including:
- Visual Arts: painting, sculpture, weaving, woodcut printing, crafts, and other visual media
- Fashion & Product Design
- Literature & Publishing
- Audiovisual Arts: graphics, animation, new media
- Performing Arts: dance, music, theatre, spoken word, folklore
- Film & Photography
- Arts Research
- Multi-disciplinary Projects
- Exhibitions, Publications, and Arts Dissemination
- Innovative or Cross-cutting Practices
Eligibility
- Open to artists of all ages living and working in Africa
- Minors may apply with guidance from an adult
- Female artists and artists with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply
- Individual artists, collectives, and groups are eligible
- Applicants must have the capacity to manage funds responsibly
- Must be able to implement the project within the 2026–2027 cycle
- Residency or citizenship in any African country is required
Program Benefits & Awards
The Kuonyesha Art Fund provides financial support tailored to the experience level:
- Established Artists & Groups (10+ years experience): Up to UGX 20,000,000
- Artists’ Push Fund (5–9 years experience): Up to UGX 12,000,000
- Emerging Artists / New Ideas (<4 years experience): Up to UGX 5,000,000
Additional benefits include:
- Opportunity to showcase work to new and broader audiences
- Support for research, technical development, and production
- Facilitation of collaboration with communities, scientists, activists, and other sectors
- Potential inclusion in exhibitions, publications, and dissemination initiatives
Application Fee
None
Application Requirements
Applicants must submit the following:
- Completed Application Form including project proposal and consent to collect personal data
- CV & Portfolio (3–10 images or short video/audio clips) demonstrating past work or proposed project
- Digital submissions preferred; physical submissions allowed for regions with limited internet access
- Video submissions should not exceed 3 minutes and clearly describe the project
- Only original works/projects owned by the applicant(s)
How to Apply?
Online Application
Key Dates
- Application Deadline: 28 February 2026
- Review Period: March – April 2026
- Shortlisted Candidates Notified: 3 April 2026
- Final Selection Announcement: 20 April 2026
- Grant Implementation Period: 2026–2027
Location
Africa-wide (projects must take place in any African country)
Additional Details
- Only one application per artist or group is allowed
- Projects must demonstrate artistic quality, originality, and relevance to societal issues
- Collaborative and innovative approaches are highly encouraged
- Applicants must demonstrate the capacity to manage the grant responsibly
- Physical artworks are not required at the submission stage; digital formats are sufficient
- The Fund prioritizes visibility, audience engagement, and contribution to the African arts ecosystem
