Call for applications: Accès Culture fund for Africa

The programme was launched last year to support and provide funding for cultural projects in Africa in order to foster the creation of social ties and reinforce collaboration between African and French cultural agents.

It is designed for civil society organisations with locally or regionally operated cultural establishments (conservatories, public art schools, etc.) who will then present a joint proposal for a project responding to a local need. Muda Africa, which provides professional training in music and dance to young people in Tanzania, was among last year's beneficiaries.

Eligibility

The proposed project will run for three years. It should feature cultural cooperation and be oriented around community arts outreach (awareness and arts education, initiation into a specific art medium, organisation of artistic get togethers, etc.). 

The projects to be proposed could include:

• An art education project.
• Direct appeal to marginalised groups (young people, women, etc.).
• Organise meetings with professionals in arts and culture.
• Cultural exchange programmes and arts education in schools.
• Boosting arts outreach programmes.
• Programmes involving skill sharing/social action.

The primary goal is to strengthen social ties in Africa by bringing the arts closer to individuals who would otherwise have limited access to such cultural exposure due to their social, economic, cultural and/or geographic background, gender or disability.

All entities must meet the following criteria:

• Be legally registered with the relevant authorities.
• Be able to provide legal documentation of the group’s status, its board members, its governing bodies or shareholders, as well as proof of good governance and transparency in its decision-making process. 
• Have a bank account in the name of the African entity able to receive an international wire transfer. 

Special consideration will the given to projects: 

• Proposed by women and/or are organised around increasing equality between men and women.
• Engaging the African diaspora in France.
• Featuring capacity building/education.
• Engaging individuals living with a disability.

Requirements

• The project outline.
• A timeline.
• A budget estimate.
• A balance sheet for the previous year.
• A video (film yourself presenting your project in two minutes).

Terms and conditions

• This year, there is only one financing possibility. Partner projects lasting one year are eligible to receive up to €15 000 ($18 000) per year. 
• The granted amounted may not surpass 50% of the project’s overall budget. Partners must co-fund at least 50% of their proposed projects (with either cash or securities) from a source other than the French Institute and AFD.

Note: This funding will be subjected to another call for applications in 2022. 

Interested applicants should create a French Institute account here before logging in here to access the application form.

The application deadline is 24 May.

Other important dates:

• Late June: Review of applications
• Mid-July: Grant recipients will be announced.

 For inquiries, send an email to jimmy.berthe@institutfrancais.com.

View the original call here.