Deadline: 16-Oct-2025
The Zad: Miles for Connection Program by Ettijahat is designed to help artists develop their artistic and professional journeys in collaboration with peers and across diverse platforms and spaces. This initiative supports their efforts to reach wider audiences and increase their participation in public life in the cities and countries where they live and work.
The program upholds the right to freedom of movement, especially for artists who were forced to relocate to Europe from conflict-affected Arab countries, particularly the Levant. Zad aims to eliminate barriers that prevent these artists from connecting with the European art scene and its audiences, ensuring their ongoing intellectual and cultural involvement.
Zad offers financial support for artists to present their work in new locations. This includes covering travel and accommodation, internal transport, daily expenses, health-related travel needs, and even costs for children or partners. It also supports the shipment of artworks and materials, as well as translation services for performances and live events.
Environmentally conscious travel choices are encouraged, like using trains or shared public transport, and booking tickets in advance to reduce costs and impact. The program will run from 2024 to 2026 as part of Ettijahat’s long-term strategic plan to expand opportunities for Arab artists in the diaspora.
To be eligible, artists must have relocated to Europe from the Arab region since 2015. Priority is given to applicants from Syria, Palestine, Lebanon, Iraq, Jordan, Egypt, Yemen, Sudan, and Libya. Both individuals and groups may apply, including key contributors to artistic projects like directors, composers, or curators.
Zad funds travel across Europe, within cities and between countries. Applicants need an official invitation from the hosting organization, which must be a cultural or literary entity. Works supported by the program must be presented to new audiences in new locations where they haven’t been shown before.
Applications must be submitted at least two months ahead of the planned travel date. Artists must also provide a formal statement from the hosting organization confirming that it will not cover the same expenses supported by Zad.
A multicultural and independent committee reviews applications. The committee members remain anonymous until the results are announced. Applications can be submitted in Arabic or English, while invitations can be in any language.
Artists involved in other Ettijahat programs or closely associated with the Ettijahat team are not eligible. However, former team members can apply after a three-year gap following their term.
Applications are evaluated based on the relevance of the destination to the artist’s work, the networking and partnership opportunities it presents, and the feasibility and clarity of the proposed project, including its budget and team structure.
For more information, visit Ettijahat.
