In an industry where passion often outweighs resources, and where artists fight daily for exposure, travel support, and professional recognition, the Connect and Create Circulation of Performing Arts and Music call arrives as a lifeline, a real chance for African creatives to step onto the global stage.
Funded by the European Union and implemented by the Goethe-Institut, Expertise France, and the Institut français, this programme is designed to bring fairness, sustainability, and true collaboration to the cultural relationship between Sub-Saharan Africa and the European Union. It is part of the Africa–Europe Partnerships for Culture, with a clear focus on youth, emerging artistic scenes, and cultural diversity.
For many artists, this is the opportunity they have been waiting for: a doorway to mobility, international audiences, and meaningful cultural exchange.
Who Can Apply?
This call speaks directly to the heart of Africa’s creative ecosystem and opens doors for a wide range of cultural actors:
- Artistic Teams: Performing arts companies, music ensembles, and artist collectives based in Africa.
- Dissemination Structures: Production houses, artist management offices, labels, support agencies, theatres, and cultural venues — in Africa or Europe.
- Events & Festivals: Festivals, trade fairs, cultural markets, and professional gatherings within Africa or Europe.
Applicants must simply be based in Sub-Saharan Africa or in a European Union country, with legal registration and the ability to manage international funding.
What This Call Supports:
The #Circulation call is designed to help African artistic creations travel, connect, and grow. It funds two main project types:
- Tours: This is a rare opportunity for artists who have dreamed of touring the continent or stepping onto European stages, but have been held back by travel, logistics, and financial barriers.
- Within Africa: At least 5 pre-booked performance dates across 3 different African countries.
- In Europe: At least 3 pre-booked shows in one or more EU countries.
- Programming at Major International Events: This ensures that African talent is visible at the world’s biggest cultural gatherings.
- Festivals or cultural events in Africa or Europe that host at least 3 artistic teams from 3 different African countries can apply for support.
Eligible Costs Covered
Funding covers:
– Travel (flights, visas, insurance)
– Accommodation (lodging, per diems, local transportation)
– Shipping of instruments, props, sets, and technical/scenographic equipment
These are the costs that often stop African artists from touring and now, they are fully supported.
Implementation Timeline
All funded projects must take place between: March 2026 – March 2027
Whether travelling across Africa or between Africa and Europe, this period gives artists a full year to plan, perform, and grow.
Priority Will Be Given To Projects That:
✔ Strengthen existing partnerships between African and European collaborators
✔ Showcase young and emerging talent
✔ Promote new contemporary creative practices
✔ Integrate eco-responsible approaches
✔ Address inclusion, such as gender equality and accessibility for artists with disabilities
This ensures the funding supports not only mobility but also meaningful impact and long-term capacity building.
Why This Matters
For too long, African artists have struggled to access international networks, global audiences, and financial support for touring. Many have powerful stories and world-class talent but lack the resources to take their work beyond their borders.
It brings African creativity directly into conversations around global cooperation, cultural diversity, and sustainable artistic ecosystems. This is more than a grant, It is an investment in African voices, African stages, and African futures.
Apply Online
All applications must be submitted through the official IF Prog platform:
👉 Application Link:
https://ifprog.emundus.fr/en/campagne-info?view=programme&cid=310&fbclid=IwY2xjawOHn4JleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFsS1FtTERTNlpOaU42elVYc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MghjYWxsc2l0ZQEyAAEeW7ray5T1ycf3u7arGqgL6IhgIQ-DFBMAeyLHD5-sWlEw2tSF8HXY9Jbs0yc_aem_6h9qC7uYp_y5xT_2qlZhnQ
Deadline: 30 November 2025 (11:59 pm CET)
Selection Committee: January 2026
Announcement of Results: February 2026
contact
Laetitia CHANTRAIT / Expertise France
Project Manager: Territorial Attractiveness, Culture and Heritage Division, Sustainable and Inclusive Economy Department
Email: connectandcreate@expertisefrance.fr