Deadline: 02-Apr-2026
The Arab Fund for Arts and Culture (AFAC) Creative and Critical Writings Grant Program provides funding to support creative, critical, and cultural writing projects connected to the Arab region. Grants support individuals, teams, collectives, and institutions working in literature, research, digital publishing, and artistic writing. The program emphasizes high-quality cultural production, fair selection, and transparent evaluation.
Overview of the AFAC Creative and Critical Writings Grant Program
The Creative and Critical Writings Grant Program is an annual funding initiative by the Arab Fund for Arts and Culture (AFAC). It supports the development and production of literary, critical, and cultural writing projects related to the Arab region.
The program aims to strengthen artistic expression, critical discourse, and knowledge production in Arabic and related cultural contexts.
Key Areas Supported
The grant program supports a wide range of writing and publishing formats, including:
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Creative and critical arts and culture writing
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Children’s and youth literature, including original works and adaptations
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Graphic novels and illustrated storytelling
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Short stories and poetry
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Digital publishing platforms and experimental formats
Projects may include research, development, and production phases linked to Arab artistic and cultural practices.
Grant Amounts and Funding Structure
AFAC provides financial support based on the applicant type:
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Individuals and teams: up to USD 20,000 per project
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Collectives and institutions: up to USD 35,000 per project
An artist or institutional fee of up to 30% of the total grant amount is permitted within the approved budget.
Who Is Eligible to Apply
Eligibility is defined clearly to ensure fairness and transparency.
Eligible applicants include:
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Individuals originating from any of the 22 Arab League member states, regardless of current residence, citizenship, or ethnic identity
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Teams and collectives working on arts and culture projects related to the Arab region
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Local, regional, and international institutions engaged in Arab arts and culture, including nonprofits and for-profit organizations
Applicants must submit only one application per open call.
Who Is Not Eligible
The following applicants are not eligible:
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AFAC board members, staff, and their business partners or immediate family members
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Current year reader or juror committee members for the categories they evaluate
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Applicants who received AFAC grants for two consecutive years (must wait two years)
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Applicants with an active, open AFAC grant
These restrictions prevent conflicts of interest and ensure equitable access.
What the Grant Covers
AFAC grants support project production and development, including:
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Research and development activities
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Writing, editing, and artistic production
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Materials, equipment, and space rental
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Artistic, technical, and collaborative labor fees
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Travel costs directly related to project research or implementation
AFAC does not provide retroactive funding and only covers expenses incurred after the grant agreement is signed.
Payment Schedule and Disbursement
Payment structures depend on the total grant amount:
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Grants below USD 10,000 are paid in two installments
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Grants above USD 10,000 are paid in three installments
Payments are tied to:
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Signed grant agreement
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Proof of co-funding where applicable
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Interim and final narrative and financial reports
Application Timeline and Open Calls
AFAC launches two open calls annually:
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First call: Creative and Critical Writings, Documentary Film, Performing Arts, Visual Arts
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Second call: Cinema, Music, Documentary Photography, Training, Regional Events
The deadline for this Creative and Critical Writings call is 02 April 2026 at 5:00 PM Beirut time.
How to Apply
Applications must be submitted exclusively through AFAC’s online application platform.
Application steps:
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Complete the official online application form
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Upload all required supporting materials
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Submit before the deadline
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Receive confirmation email upon successful submission
Incomplete applications or submissions via email or postal mail are not accepted.
How Applications Are Evaluated
The evaluation process follows a structured, multi-stage review:
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Initial screening for eligibility and completeness
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Review by independent reader and juror committees
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Committee discussions and final recommendations
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Final decision by AFAC and official notification to applicants
Selected projects are announced on AFAC’s website and social media platforms.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Applicants should avoid the following issues:
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Submitting incomplete supporting materials
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Applying with an open or recently completed AFAC grant
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Missing the submission deadline
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Proposing projects already completed or retroactively funded
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Submitting more than one application per open call
Careful review of eligibility and documentation requirements improves success rates.
Why This Grant Matters
The AFAC Creative and Critical Writings Grant plays a key role in:
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Supporting independent and institutional cultural production
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Strengthening critical discourse around Arab arts and culture
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Enabling underfunded writers and researchers to develop substantial projects
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Preserving and expanding cultural narratives from the Arab region
It contributes to long-term cultural sustainability and artistic freedom.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can apply for the Creative and Critical Writings Grant?
Individuals from Arab League countries, teams, collectives, and institutions working on Arab arts and culture projects are eligible.
What is the maximum funding available?
Up to USD 20,000 for individuals and teams, and up to USD 35,000 for collectives and institutions.
Are applicants required to live in an Arab country?
No. Applicants may live anywhere as long as their project relates to the Arab region and they originate from an Arab League country.
Does AFAC fund completed projects?
No. AFAC does not provide retroactive funding for completed projects.
How many applications can one applicant submit?
Each applicant may submit only one application per open call.
How are applications evaluated?
Applications are reviewed by independent reader and juror committees based on artistic quality, feasibility, and relevance.
When will applicants be notified of results?
All applicants are informed by email before selected projects are publicly announced.
Conclusion
The AFAC Creative and Critical Writings Grant Program offers vital financial and institutional support for writers, researchers, and cultural practitioners connected to the Arab region. By funding diverse literary forms and critical voices, the program strengthens cultural expression, encourages innovation, and sustains meaningful artistic production across borders.
For more information, visit The Arab Fund for Arts and Culture.
