This call for proposals is open to:

• Artistic teams: performing arts companies, music ensembles, and collectives based in Africa

• Dissemination structures : production houses/offices, artist managers, support agencies, labels, theatres, or cultural venues in Africa or Europe

• Events: festivals, markets, trade fairs, or professional gatherings in Africa or Europe.

Eligible applicants must be based either in sub-Saharan Africa or in a European Union country.

The Connect and Create programme is an initiative led by the Goethe-Institut and Expertise France, in partnership with the Institut français and with the support of the European Union. It aims to foster collaboration, exchange, and the circulation of artistic works within Africa and between sub-Saharan Africa and the European Union. As the sub-Saharan African component of the Africa–Europe Partnerships for culture, it focuses on youth, emerging artistic scenes, and cultural diversity, with the ambition to build sustainable, inclusive, and equitable cooperation.

The Connect and Create # Circulation of Performing Arts and Music call aims to support the dissemination and circulation of African artistic creations in Africa and Europe, through financial assistance for organising tours or programming within major international events.

Types of eligible projects

• Tours

In Africa: at least 5 pre-booked dates in a minimum of 3 different countries.

In Europe: at least 3 pre-booked dates in one or more European countries.

• Programming within major events

In Africa or Europe: festivals/events hosting at least 3 artistic teams from 3 different African countries.

Eligible costs

Le programme prend en charge les coûts liés à la mobilité des équipes artistiques :

• Travel (transport, visas, insurance)

• Accommodation (lodging, per diem, local transport)

• Shipping of scenographic and technical elements required for the performances

Timeline

Projects must be implemented between March 2026 and March 2027, in Africa, Europe, or across both regions.

Priority will be given to projects that:

• Build on existing tandems that have already collaborated and wish to strengthen their partnership

• Highlight young generations, emerging artistic scenes, and new contemporary creative practices

• Integrate eco-responsible approaches in their implementation

• Actively address issues of inclusion (gender, disability, etc.) 

Deadline: 30 November 2025 (11:59 pm CET)

Selection Committee: January 2026

Announcement of Results: February 2026

Applicants are invited to download the regulations governing grants awarded by Expertise France, as well as the preliminary documents available below

Règlements Mobilités de professionnels FR

Rules Professional mobilities fund ENG

Documents préalables à télécharger FR

Preliminary documents to download ENG

contact

Laetitia CHANTRAIT / Expertise France

Project Manager

Territorial Attractiveness, Culture and Heritage Division

Sustainable and Inclusive Economy Department

Mantchini TRAORÉ / Institut français

Project Manager for ICC and Artistic Cooperation in Africa

Culture and Solidarity Partnerships Division

Cooperation, Dialogue, Languages and Societies Department

connectandcreate@expertisefrance.fr