AOCA is a program of the Institut français that supports cultural operators and artists based on the African continent by supporting creation and dissemination projects, as well as events taking place in Africa, and by contributing to the strenghtening of cultural ecosystems and international cooperation.

The program supports projects that strengthen international dynamics on the African continent and encourage collaboration between African artists and cultural operators, the French cultural network, and French cultural actors.

This program is open to the following project leaders for projects taking place between March and December 2027:

- African cultural institutions or structures based in Africa and carrying a project of creation, dissemination or organizing an event with a regional dimension on the African continent.

- French cultural network abroad (cultural services of embassies, Instituts Français, Alliances Françaises, binational cultural centers)

When not supported by the French cultural network, projects must be accompanied by a letter of support issued by the French cultural network abroad (cultural departments of embassies, Instituts français, Alliances françaises or binational cultural centers).

AOCA concerns the following discipline : 

Visual arts, Digital creation, Photography, Music, Theater, Dance, Street art, circus, puppetry. 

AOCA supports the following types of projects:

• Regional circulation. AOCA can support the touring and circulation of exhibitions by African artists on the African continent :

- The tours must include at least 5 dates in a minimum of 3 African countries (outside the applicant's country of residence), and at least 3 dates must be organized in conjunction with a French Institute or Alliance Française.

- The circulation of exhibitions must include at least 3 stops in a minimum of 3 African countries (outside the applicant's country of residence) and at least 3 activities must be organized in conjunction with a French Institute or Alliance française (exhibition, conference, training workshops, etc).

• Events. AOCA can support two types of events:

- Events (festivals, biennals, etc) hosting a program of artists or compagnies from at least 3 African countries (outside the applicant's country of residence).

- Events (festivals, biennials, etc.) hosting a program that includes at least 2 French artists or companies and at least 2 African artists or companies.

• Artistic Creation and Collaborations. AOCA can support two types of projects:

- Creative projects bringing together artists from at least 3 African countries (outside the applicant's country of residence).

- Artistic collaboration or co-production projects between an African artistic team and one or more French artists, companies, or cultural organizations.

The criteria for selecting applications are specified in the regulations governing grants awarded by the Institut français (Section 2 – Form 2 AOCA).

Particular attention will be paid to projects that highlight the young generations, emerging scenes and new artistic practices in the field of contemporary African creation.

Applicants are also encouraged to adopt an eco-responsible approach during implementation, for example by allocating a longer time for each stop on their tours (performance + professional meetings + workshops + training, etc.).

As part of France’s feminist diplomacy, the Institut français encourages the French cultural network and the partners to actively address these issues. Applicants are therefore asked to outline their policy for promoting a culture of gender equality. Particular attention will be given to projects that address gender issues:projects led by women working in the cultural sector, projects that highlight women artists, or projects that promote gender diversity and equality.

While it is possible to use artificial intelligence tools to improve the writing and presentation of applications or project proposals, the applicant or submitter must ensure that the submission retains its originality and unique identity.  

As part of France’s feminist diplomacy, the Institut français encourages institutions in the cultural network and their partner organizations to actively address these issues. Diplomatic missions and other entities are asked to specify their policies aimed at fostering a culture of gender equality (including training, awareness-raising initiatives on equality and the fight against discrimination and stereotypes, projects that address gender equality issues and promote a gender-balanced approach, selection of speakers, policies toward service providers, and any other relevant elements).

Application deadline: October 30, 2026 (11:59 p.m. CET)

Selection Committee: February 2027

Before submitting any application, project leaders are expressly required to download the Regulations Governing Grants Awarded by the Institut français.

Regulations Governing Grants Awarded by the Institut français

contact

Culture and Solidarity Partnerships Department 

Cooperation, Dialogue, and Society Direction

aoca@institutfrancais.com