Open call: British Council Festival Connect Fund 2025

The initiative aims to strengthen cross-regional partnerships and collaborations between Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) and the United Kingdom, fostering artistic exchange, mobility and encouraging innovation in festival-making and cultural exchange.

The call is intended for festivals based in South Saharan Africa and the UK, with collaborative proposals that promote cultural exchange, mobility, and community impact. This fund supports projects that not only entertain but also address social issues, promote inclusivity, and contribute to the creative economy.

The funding is intended for festivals in the following countries:

• Ethiopia
• Ghana
• Kenya
• Mauritius
• Malawi
• Nigeria
• Rwanda
• Senegal
• South Africa
• Tanzania
• Uganda
• Zambia
• Zimbabwe
• England
• Northern Ireland
• Scotland
• Wales

Key details:

• Total funding up for grabs (not per project): Up to £100 000 (about $132 000).
• Application deadline: 27 June 2025.
• Information session: 26 May 2025.

Applicants should apply here.

“By investing in festivals, we invest in the cultural and economic vitality of our communities,” the British Council said. “We look forward to supporting initiatives that harness the power of festivals to connect, inspire, and drive positive change. Festivals are more than just celebrations, they are vital platforms for cultural expression, community engagement, and economic development. They bring people together, foster creativity, and stimulate local economies through tourism and job creation.”