Deadline: 19-Jun-2026
The AFAC Training and Regional Events Grant Program supports cultural training, workshops, residencies, forums, festivals, and documentation initiatives across the Arab region. It offers up to USD 25,000 for individuals and teams and up to USD 35,000 for institutions. The program is open to Arab and international cultural organizations, with restrictions on repeat funding and conflicts of interest.
What is the AFAC Training and Regional Events Grant?
The AFAC Training and Regional Events Grant Program, run by the Arab Fund for Arts and Culture (AFAC), supports capacity-building and cultural exchange initiatives across the Arab region.
It funds programs that strengthen artistic practice, cultural knowledge, and regional collaboration.
Funding Details
Grant Amounts
- Individuals and teams: up to USD 25,000
- Collectives and institutions: up to USD 35,000
Supported Project Scale
- Small to medium cultural initiatives
- Regional and cross-border artistic programs
- Institutional or community-based cultural events
Focus Areas
1. Training and Workshops
- Skill-building in arts and culture
- Professional development programs
- Artistic mentorship and learning initiatives
2. Cultural Events and Exchanges
- Symposia and forums
- Festivals and public cultural events
- Multidisciplinary gatherings
3. Residencies and Creative Spaces
- Artist residencies
- Collaborative creation spaces
- Cross-cultural exchange programs
4. Archives and Documentation
- Cultural documentation platforms
- Preservation of artistic heritage
- Research and archival initiatives
Disciplines Supported
- Music
- Film
- Performing arts
- Visual arts
- Literature
- Multidisciplinary cultural work
Key Objectives
- Strengthen artistic capacity and skills development
- Promote regional collaboration across the Arab world
- Support cultural preservation and documentation
- Encourage knowledge exchange and artistic mobility
- Build stronger arts infrastructure and networks
Who is Eligible?
Eligible Applicants
- Individuals from Arab countries (all 22 Arab League states)
- Arab artists regardless of residence or nationality status
- Cultural institutions and organizations
- Galleries, venues, and arts spaces
- Nonprofit and for-profit cultural entities
- International organizations working with Arab cultural projects
Eligibility Principle
- Open to all applicants connected to Arab arts and culture, regardless of identity or location
Who is NOT Eligible?
- AFAC board members and staff
- Business partners and family members of staff/board
- Current jurors and readers evaluating applications in the same category
- Applicants with two consecutive years of funding (must wait 2 years)
- Applicants with an active ongoing grant
- Multiple applications per applicant (only one per cycle)
Key Concepts Explained
Cultural Training
Programs that develop artistic skills, knowledge, and professional capacity.
Regional Events
Public or private gatherings that promote cross-border cultural exchange.
Cultural Documentation
Efforts to preserve and record artistic heritage and cultural memory.
Why This Grant Matters
- Builds stronger arts education and training systems
- Supports regional cultural collaboration
- Preserves Arab cultural heritage and documentation
- Strengthens creative industries infrastructure
- Encourages cross-disciplinary artistic exchange
How to Apply / How It Works
Step-by-Step Process
- Develop a cultural training or event-based project
- Ensure eligibility based on applicant type and region
- Prepare project concept and implementation plan
- Submit application through AFAC system
- Await review and selection
Required Application Elements
- Project description and objectives
- Target audience and participants
- Timeline and implementation plan
- Budget breakdown
- Expected outcomes and cultural impact
- Institutional or partner details
Assessment Criteria
Applications are evaluated based on:
- Artistic and cultural relevance
- Regional impact and collaboration
- Quality of training or programming
- Feasibility and planning strength
- Contribution to cultural development
Tips for a Strong Application
- Highlight skills development and knowledge transfer
- Emphasize regional collaboration or exchange
- Clearly define target audiences and outcomes
- Ensure strong organizational planning and structure
- Align with broader Arab cultural ecosystem development
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Submitting duplicate applications
- Weak training or event structure
- Lack of regional relevance
- Missing eligibility restrictions
- Poorly defined outcomes or objectives
FAQs
1. What is the maximum funding available?
Up to USD 25,000 for individuals and USD 35,000 for institutions.
2. Who can apply?
Arab individuals, cultural organizations, and international partners working in Arab arts.
3. What types of projects are funded?
Training, workshops, residencies, festivals, and cultural documentation projects.
4. Are non-Arab organizations eligible?
Yes, if their projects are connected to Arab arts and culture.
5. Can I submit multiple applications?
No, only one application per cycle is allowed.
6. Are past recipients always eligible?
No, there are restrictions for consecutive funding and active grants.
7. What is the main goal of the program?
To strengthen artistic capacity and cultural exchange across the Arab region.
Conclusion
The AFAC Training and Regional Events Grant Program is a key opportunity for artists and cultural organizations to strengthen skills, networks, and regional collaboration. By funding training, events, residencies, and documentation, it plays an important role in developing a more connected and resilient Arab cultural ecosystem.
For more information, visit AFAC.