Funding Opportunity for Heritage Organisations in Southern Africa

The Goethe-Institut is inviting non-profit, non-governmental heritage organizations based in Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho, Namibia, South Africa, and Zimbabwe to apply for grants under the “Africa-Europe Partnerships for Culture: Southern Africa” project. This initiative is funded by the European Union and aims to strengthen cultural collaboration within Southern Africa and between the region and Europe.

The project focuses on enhancing regional cultural production and encouraging intercultural dialogue. It does so through the co-creation of new narratives around tangible and intangible cultural heritage. More than 16 heritage organizations will be selected to lead “Narrative Clusters,” where they will work with interdisciplinary groups of artists and creatives to develop innovative, culturally rich stories.

The main goal is to increase public visibility and understanding of the selected heritage narratives and demonstrate their contemporary relevance. The project also aims to support heritage organizations in co-creating interdisciplinary narratives, foster regional collaboration among creatives from at least three Southern African countries, and build organizational capacity in cultural production and audience engagement.

Each selected organization will receive up to €55,000 to manage their cluster, fund co-productions, and present outcomes to local audiences. The grant period spans 18 months, during which each organization will oversee multiple artistic collaborations, including performances, installations, films, and exhibitions that showcase the themes and relevance of their heritage.

Narrative Clusters will be composed of about nine artists or creatives. Activities will include issuing a call for artist proposals, coordinating retreats and workshops, hosting multi-day public events, and supporting the production of interdisciplinary works. Outreach to local communities, especially youth and source communities, is a key part of the initiative.

Organizations are also expected to incorporate cross-cutting priorities such as gender equality (with at least 50% women participants or narratives), inclusion of persons with disabilities, and environmentally sustainable practices.

To be eligible, applicants must be non-profit, non-governmental legal entities registered in one of the six project countries. They must manage a tangible heritage site or be connected to an intangible cultural practice and have operated in their country for at least two years with a strong heritage-related track record. UNESCO heritage sites are not eligible to apply. Preference will be given to those working with lesser-known heritage practices, particularly outside major urban areas.