Africa-Europe Partnerships for Culture: West Africa – Medium‑Sized Festival Grants

The Goethe‑Institut, funded by the European Union, is launching the Africa‑Europe Partnerships for Culture: West Africa initiative, a call for applications for medium‑sized festivals across 15 West African countries. The programme aims to enhance cultural collaboration, internationalisation, and organisational capacity of festivals in cinema, audiovisual & animation, heritage, literature, music, performing arts, and visual arts. Eligible applicants are legal entities registered in the designated countries, operating a medium‑sized festival, and willing to form a cluster of seven festivals coordinated by a major festival in the same sector. Each selected festival will receive a grant of up to €50,000, disbursed in instalments tied to milestones. The grant covers a wide range of costs, including project staff, festival organisation, co‑production, artist fees, travel and accommodation, outreach, accessibility, environmental sustainability, mobility, and training. Applicants must submit a single proposal in English or French via the Goethe Application Portal (GAP) between 21 August and 20 September 2026. The selection process involves a pre‑selection and a jury evaluation, with results announced on 31 October 2026. The call emphasises gender equality (50% women participation), inclusion of people with disabilities, and environmental sustainability, and requires applicants to demonstrate a clear internationalisation strategy and cluster participation.

Dedicated staff person for cluster management, direct costs of implementing work plans, training programmes, international travel, and partnership development activities.

Large, well-established festivals with robust economic capacity, solid track records, high recognition and visibility, and ability to attract top-class artists can apply. Festivals must demonstrate strong links with regional artists and cultural organisations, plus capacity for international cooperation both within West Africa and with European festivals.