Organizer Information
The Goethe-Institut is the Federal Republic of Germany’s cultural institute, operating worldwide to promote international cultural exchange, education, and dialogue. With a long-standing presence across Africa, the Goethe-Institut works closely with local cultural actors, artists, and institutions to strengthen sustainable cultural ecosystems.
This open call is part of the “Africa–Europe Partnerships for Culture: Southern Africa” programme, funded by the European Union. The programme aims to reinforce regional cultural cooperation within Southern Africa while also fostering meaningful exchange between
Southern Africa and Europe. Through grants, capacity-building initiatives, and cross-border collaborations, the project supports heritage organisations and creative practitioners in rethinking and re-presenting cultural heritage in contemporary, inclusive, and socially engaged ways.
Title & Description
Narrative Clusters – Heritage Co-Creation Grants
The Goethe-Institut invites non-profit, non-governmental heritage organisations in Southern Africa to apply for grants to lead
Narrative Clusters—collaborative, interdisciplinary platforms dedicated to the co-creation of new heritage narratives.
This call focuses on tangible and intangible cultural heritage, encouraging organisations to work with artists and creatives to transform heritage sites, practices, and traditions into contemporary narratives that resonate with today’s audiences. Heritage narratives in this context are not static historical accounts, but living stories that connect the past with present realities and future possibilities—addressing identity, memory, community, and social relevance.
Selected organisations will receive funding to manage a Narrative Cluster over a 15-month period, coordinating artistic collaboration, public engagement, and multi-disciplinary co-productions such as performances, exhibitions, installations, films, literary works, or digital/immersive projects. The initiative prioritises lesser-known heritage practices, community involvement, gender equality, inclusion, and environmental sustainability, while fostering regional collaboration across Southern Africa.
Categories
- Visual Arts
- Performing Arts
- Film & Moving Image
- Literature & Writing
- Music & Sound
- Craft & Traditional Practices
- Digital Art, VR, AR & New Media
- Interdisciplinary & Cross-Media Practices
- Cultural Heritage & Community-Based Art
Eligibility
This call is not open to individual artists. Applicants must meet all of the following criteria:
- Non-profit, non-governmental organisations
- Legally registered and operational for at least two years
- Based in Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho, Namibia, South Africa, or Zimbabwe
- Actively managing or representing a tangible or intangible heritage site or practice within one of the eligible countries
- Demonstrated experience in heritage-related activities
- Ability to coordinate international, interdisciplinary collaboration
Priority is given to organisations working with lesser-known heritage, particularly outside major urban centres. Organisations in Eswatini, Lesotho, and Botswana receive special consideration due to underrepresentation in previous rounds.
Program Benefits & Awards
- Grant funding of up to €55,000 per selected organisation
- Support to establish and manage a Narrative Cluster of approximately nine artists/creatives
- Funding for 2–3 interdisciplinary co-productions per cluster
- Budget coverage for:
- Cluster coordination and management
- Narrative development retreats and working sessions
- Production materials and equipment
- Local public presentation events
- Outreach and community engagement
- Capacity-building workshops on:
- Gender equality
- Environmental sustainability
- Project and financial management
- Logistical and technical support from the Goethe-Institut
- International visibility within an EU-funded cultural cooperation framework
Note: Artist travel, accommodation, and per diems are covered through a separate artist call and must not be included in the organisation’s budget.
Application Fee
None
Application Requirements
Applicants must submit a complete proposal via the Goethe Application Portal, including:
- Organisational profile (legal status and heritage experience)
- Description of the heritage site or practice
- Proposed heritage themes and narrative ideas
- Collaboration plan with interdisciplinary artists
- Outreach and community engagement strategy
- Detailed project budget (mandatory template)
How to Apply?
Online Application
Key Dates
- Application Deadline: 13 February 2026
- Deadline for Enquiries: 6 February 2026
- Evaluation Period: 16–27 February 2026
- Notification & Contracting: 2–6 March 2026
- Project Start Date: 16 March 2026
- Project Duration: Approximately 15 months
Location
Southern Africa (Project countries: Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho, Namibia, South Africa, Zimbabwe)
Additional Details
- Only one application per organisation is permitted
- Selection emphasises gender equality, disability inclusion, and eco-friendly practices
- Projects must demonstrate meaningful community participation
- Organisations on EU sanctions lists or operating for less than two years are excluded
- Selected organisations will later co-develop a separate open call for artists/creatives
