Connect & Create (the Sub-Saharan Africa component of the Africa–Europe Partnerships for Culture programme, funded by the European Union) is calling for applications for a mentoring programme for professionals in the performing arts and music industries. From January through December 2027, the programme will support 15 early-career professionals living and working in sub-Saharan Africa.
Designed for professionals with 2 to 5 years of experience in artist support roles—such as management, production, distribution, administration, and communications—the programme will pair each participant with an experienced mentor based in Africa or Europe. It will include, among other things, quarterly group workshops and a group immersion trip.
The Connect & Create Mentoring Scheme is designed for professionals working across the performing arts value chain—including theatre, dance, performance, puppetry, circus and street arts—and the music sector.
Applicants must be permanent residents of sub-Saharan Africa, be at least 18 years old, and be affiliated with an organisation that has had legal status for at least one year.
The organisations to which the mentees belong will receive a grant of 7,500 EUR intended to support their operations, development and skills enhancement. This funding may cover expenses necessary for the implementation of their project, such as the purchase of professional equipment, tools or software, as well as communication or travel costs. In addition to this funding, the travel and accommodation costs of mentors and mentees associated with the immersive trip will be covered under the mentoring programme.
