Connect & Create – Strengthening Cultural Ties Between Africa and Europe
Connect & Create is the Sub-Saharan Africa component of the Africa–Europe Partnerships for Culture program, funded by the European Union. This ambitious 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 & Create embodies the spirit of Team Europe: a partnership between three institutions—the Institut français, Expertise France, and the Goethe-Institut—that combine their expertise to achieve a shared goal.
Who can apply?
- Artistic teams: performing arts companies, musical ensembles and Africa-based collectives ;
- Distribution and support organisations: production agencies, artist development organisations, artist support organisations, record labels, performances venues and cultural spaces based in Africa or Europe;
- Events: festivals, professional markets, trade fairs and professional networking events held in Africa or Europe.
Applicant organisations must be based in one of the 47 eligible countries in Sub-Saharan Africa or in one of the 27 member states of the European Union.
The Connect & Create programme is the Sub-Saharan Africa component of the Africa–Europe Partnerships for Culture programme, funded by the European Union. This ambitious project, led by the Goethe-Institut and Expertise France in partnership with the Institut français, embodies the Team Europe spirit and seeks to renew and strengthen cultural ties between Sub-Saharan Africa and the European Union through the principles of equity, inclusion and sustainability.
Institut français and Expertise France play a key role in the performing arts and music sectors by implementing mobility, international co-production and exchange initiatives for artists and cultural professionals.
Types of projects supported
Touring:
- In Africa: at least 5 confirmed performances in a minimum of 3 different countries (excluding the country of residence of the artist, group or company).
- In Europe: at least 3 confirmed performances in one or more European countries.
Programming within major events:
- In Africa or Europe: festivals or events programming at least 3 artistic teams from 3 different African countries.
Eligible costs
The programme covers costs related to the mobility of artistic teams, including:
- International, national and local transportation costs for individuals travelling in economy class or equivalent;
- Visa and insurance costs;
- Accommodation and per diem;
- Transportation of scenographic and technical equipment required for performances.
The grant may not exceed 70% of the total project budget. Applicants must demonstrate at least 30% co-financing (cash and/or in-kind contributions).
Timeline
Projects must take place between February and December 2027, in Africa or Europe.
Particular attention will be given to projects that:
- Demonstrate originality, strong contextual relevance and a distinctive artistic approach.
- Foster long-term collaborations.
- Support younger generations.
- Promote emerging artistic scenes.
- Integrate environmentally sustainable approaches.
- Address inclusion and accessibility.
Call deadline: 30 September 2026 (11:59 PM CET)