Connect and Create is calling for applications from performing arts and music organisations in sub-Saharan Africa and the European Union for the ‘Creative Tandems’ grant, for activities between March 2026 and March 2028.
Connect and Create is the Sub-Saharan Africa component of the European Union-funded Africa-Europe Partnerships for Culture programme. This project, led by the Goethe-Institut and Expertise France, in partnership with the Institut français, aims to renew and strengthen cultural ties between sub-Saharan Africa and the European Union in a spirit of equity, inclusion and sustainability.
Connect and Create Creative Tandems aims to support cooperation and co-production projects in the field of performing arts conceived and implemented by tandems made up of partners based in one of the 48 countries of Sub-Saharan Africa and one of the 27 countries of the European Union. This is for all relevant performing arts, including theatre, dance, performance art, music, puppetry, circus arts, or street arts
Applications must be submitted on behalf of the tandem by the African partner, who will also provide a letter of commitment from the European partner. Funding will be allocated to the African organisation for the implementation of the joint programme.
Eligible activities include:
- Artistic collaborations in the form of co-creation or co-production
- Artistic or research residencies
- Workshops, training sessions, exchange schemes, and peer-learning initiatives
Projects must:
- Be implemented in sub-Saharan Africa, in a European Union country, or across both territories
- Have a duration of 18 to 24 months
- Take place between March 2026 and March 2028
The particular attention will be given to projects that:
- Build on existing tandems that have already collaborated and wish to strengthen their partnership
- Highlight young generations, emerging artistic scenes, and new contemporary creative practices
- Integrate eco-responsible approaches in their implementation
- Actively address issues of inclusion (gender, disability, etc.)
This call for projects is supported by a total budget of 600,000 EUR. Selected projects will be eligible for funding of 20,000 EUR to 60,000 EUR. The support allocated may not exceed 50% of the project’s overall budget.
