Connect & Create 2026: EU-Africa Performing Arts Funding Call Opens
In collaboration with Expertise France and the Goethe-Institut, the Institut français has initiated the second call for 2026 for the Connect & Create funding program. This initiative, which began in 2025, is designed to promote cultural collaboration in performing arts and music between the EU and Sub-Saharan Africa, encompassing 48 countries in the region and 27 EU member states. The current focus is on the Circulation of Performing Arts and Music, as well as Professional Mobility. Applicants must reside in one of the eligible countries, and submissions are due by 30 September 2026 through the Institut français online portal. An information webinar was held to mark the launch.
Key facts
- Connect & Create is a funding programme for performing arts and music initiatives.
- It is a partnership between Institut français, Goethe-Institut, and Expertise France.
- Funded by the European Union as part of Africa Europe Partnerships for Culture.
- Launched in 2025, it covers 48 Sub-Saharan African countries and 27 EU member states.
- The current call supports two strands: Circulation of Performing Arts and Music, and Professional Mobility.
- Application deadline: 30 September 2026.
- Skills Enhancement mentoring programme calls open in September 2026.
- Applications submitted via Institut français online portal.
Entities
Institutions
- Institut français
- Goethe-Institut
- Expertise France
- European Union
- Africa Europe Partnerships for Culture
Locations
- Sub-Saharan Africa
- European Union