Open call: ROOM project for creatives in East Africa

Background

In an age where civic space is fast shrinking and the political context worsening, free expression through critical content creation and cultural production is an essential condition for open and democratic societies and people to flourish, but is too often inhibited by restrictive political and social norms and a lack of sustainable resourcing.

Resource of Open Minds (ROOM)

In 2017 with support from SIDA, Hivos launched Resource of Open Minds (ROOM). This programme has been supporting makers’ and creators’ contribution to diversification of dialogue, debate and dissent in their societies. Hivos does this by supporting young makers like artists, designers, filmmakers, vloggers and communities who create independent cultural and media productions, which are diverse in their identities, mediums, content, channels and audiences.

Call summary

The ROOM project seeks to raise the capacity of young small and emerging initiatives in order for them to become more consciously independent and self-sustainable, produce more African cultural and critical audio-visual content, and reach wider audiences with their productions. Besides artistic imagination, the production of Afrocentric/pan-African independent and conscious work that challenges or questions norms in society will be an important factor in the awarding of grants.

Eligibility criteria for applicants

This call is primarily directed to:

1. Young changemakers (young people between 18 and 35), creating culture and media productions and/or collaborating and producing critical content in the audio-visual sector, such as individuals or startups, or newly registered entities focusing on the creative industry.

2. Individuals or entities with experience working in one or more of the following audio-visual sectors:

• Graphic Design
• Fashion design
• Comics/cartoons
• Animation
• Poetry/slam poetry/spoken word
• Storytelling
• Music – rap/hip hop
• DJ
• VJ
• Radio shows/radio series/podcasts/community radios
• TV show/TV series/online channels
• Short film/video
• Feature film/documentary
• Video blog
• Visual art (painting, drawing, printmaking, digital art)
• Sculpture (objects)
• Mixed media installations
• Performance virtual reality
• Videogame

3. Individuals/entities that make use of digital means (online platforms) to strategically distribute their content to their audiences (i.e. through social media).

4. Entities that produce content/work that aims to show alternative viewpoints on big issues affecting society that challenge or question certain norms in society and promote pan-African social progress. This content/work should challenge and examine repressive norms and tendencies within African societies, question the status quo and hegemonic power in society and show alternative perspectives and points of view.

Note: Remotely located entities representing marginalised groups, e.g. low-income communities, gender minorities, and women, are encouraged to apply. Collaboration is strongly encouraged among entities for effective implementation and impact.

Eligible countries

Tanzania, Kenya and Uganda.

Amount

The requested amount should be not less than €5 000 and not more than €7 500 over a five to six-month period.

Format of concept notes

Applications should be submitted in English. The concept notes must be no more than four pages using this template.

Deadline and other requirements

The submission deadline is 14 August 2023 at 5pm EAT.

Applicants must ensure that their concept notes are in Word or PDF format and are clearly marked with the title ‘Production Grants – Call for Concepts: Creative Expression in 21st Century East Africa’. All applications must be sent to grantsea@hivos.org.

View the original call here.