Grants for Artistic Institutions to Enhance Performing Arts Skills

Deadline: 31-Mar-2026

The Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation is offering grants of up to €7,000 per course to support short-term performing arts masterclasses in Angola, Cape Verde, Guinea-Bissau, Mozambique, and São Tomé and Príncipe. Eligible artistic institutions can apply to organize courses lasting at least two weeks, to be completed by November 30, 2026. The program aims to enhance professional training quality in key performing arts disciplines such as stage design, lighting, dramaturgy, and artistic direction.

Program Overview

The Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation is launching a funding call to strengthen performing arts training institutions in Portuguese-speaking African countries (PALOP).

The initiative supports:

• Short-term masterclasses

• Capacity building in performing arts institutions

• High-quality artistic and technical training

• International and regional knowledge exchange

The goal is to improve professional standards and institutional capacity in the performing arts sector.

Geographic Focus

Eligible countries:

• Angola

• Cape Verde

• Guinea-Bissau

• Mozambique

• São Tomé and Príncipe

Only institutions based in these countries may apply.

What Is Funded?

The Foundation will support the implementation of up to six short-term courses (masterclasses).

Each course must:

• Have a minimum duration of 2 weeks

• Be completed by November 30, 2026

• Be led by trainers of recognized merit

• Contribute to strengthening the proposing institution

Funding may cover:

• Organizational expenses

• Trainer fees

• Production costs directly related to the course

• Execution-related eligible expenses as defined in the competition terms

Retroactive costs are not eligible.

Funding Details

Maximum grant amount: €7,000 per course

Important notes:

• The awarded amount may be lower depending on:

  • Budget analysis

  • Application merit

  • Available funds

• Funding is strictly limited to eligible expenses

• Grants must directly support course organization and execution

Focus Areas in Performing Arts

The program prioritizes quality training in:

• Staging and artistic direction

• Set design and stage design

• Lighting design

• Sound design

• Costume design and characterization

• Dramaturgy

These technical and creative disciplines are essential for professional-level performing arts production.

Who Is Eligible?

Eligible applicants include:

• Private, non-profit artistic production institutions

• Legally constituted for-profit companies

• Organizations based in one of the five eligible countries

• Institutions with at least 2 years of proven activity in performing arts

Each institution may submit only one application.

Additional submissions will be disregarded.

Who Is Not Eligible?

Applications will be rejected if:

• The institution has unjustified non-compliance with the Foundation

• The funding request covers retroactive expenses

• The course is already fully funded by other entities

  • Exception: properly justified co-financing arrangements

Why This Program Matters

This initiative supports:

• Professional development in the performing arts sector

• Strengthening local artistic institutions

• Skills transfer from recognized trainers

• Sustainable capacity building

• Improved artistic production standards

Short-term masterclasses provide focused, high-impact training that can elevate local artistic ecosystems.

How to Apply (Step-by-Step Guide)

Step 1: Design the Masterclass

Define:

• Discipline and focus area

• Duration (minimum 2 weeks)

• Trainer credentials

• Expected outcomes

Ensure completion before November 30, 2026.

Step 2: Prepare Budget

• Clearly outline eligible expenses

• Ensure request does not exceed €7,000

• Exclude retroactive costs

• Justify any co-financing arrangements

Step 3: Verify Institutional Eligibility

Confirm:

• Legal registration status

• At least 2 years of activity in performing arts

• No outstanding compliance issues with the Foundation

Step 4: Submit a Single Application

• Only one proposal per entity

• Additional submissions will not be considered

• Ensure full compliance with competition guidelines

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Submitting multiple applications

• Requesting funding for completed or retroactive activities

• Failing to demonstrate trainer merit

• Weak institutional track record documentation

• Budget including ineligible expenses

• Lack of clarity in course objectives or outcomes

Strong proposals clearly show institutional strengthening and professional quality enhancement.

Key Definitions

Masterclass: A short-term, intensive training course led by an expert practitioner.

Performing Arts: Artistic disciplines performed live, including theatre, stage production, and related technical crafts.

Co-Financing: Financial support from multiple sources for the same project, properly justified and documented.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the maximum funding available per course?

Up to €7,000 per course.

2. How long must the course last?

At least 2 weeks.

3. When must courses be completed?

By November 30, 2026.

4. Can for-profit institutions apply?

Yes, provided they are legally constituted and meet eligibility criteria.

5. Can an institution submit more than one application?

No. Only one application per entity is allowed.

6. Are retroactive expenses eligible?

No. Funding cannot cover costs incurred before approval.

7. Can projects already funded by other entities apply?

Not if fully funded, unless properly justified co-financing is involved.

Conclusion

The Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation’s performing arts training grants provide targeted financial support to strengthen artistic institutions across Angola, Cape Verde, Guinea-Bissau, Mozambique, and São Tomé and Príncipe. By funding high-quality short-term masterclasses in essential performing arts disciplines, the program promotes professional excellence, institutional capacity building, and long-term sector development.

Eligible institutions should design strong, focused proposals that clearly demonstrate artistic merit, trainer expertise, and sustainable impact within their national performing arts ecosystem.

For more information, visit Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation.