Open Call: Creative Caravans Grants for Arts and Media Projects

Deadline: 31-Mar-2026

AI Snippet Summary:
The Creative Caravans program supports festivals, residencies, touring projects, and independent digital media platforms that share cultural works addressing regional and global issues. Funding is available for physical circulation of ideas (up to EUR 65,000 per project) and for digital platforms producing critical cultural content (up to EUR 25,000). Selected grantees also receive training, mentorship, and peer-to-peer learning opportunities to strengthen content creation and cultural impact.

Overview

The Arab Fund for Arts and Culture (AFAC) Creative Caravans initiative aims to:

• Support both physical and digital dissemination of artistic and cultural works

• Foster storytelling, media production, and cross-cultural dialogue

• Encourage projects that engage with local and global issues

• Build capacity for media practitioners and cultural organizations

The program promotes circulation of ideas, engagement with marginalized perspectives, and sharing of cultural narratives across communities.

Key Focus Areas

The program supports two main subpillars:

1. Physical Circulation of Cultural Works

This subpillar supports festivals, exhibitions, residencies, and touring projects.

Eligible activities include:

• Festivals, exhibitions, and residencies

• Touring cultural projects within and across countries

• Content creation and multimedia production

• Storytelling and engagement with regional or global challenges

Eligibility:

• Established organizations that have organized at least two events in one of the nine AFAC-supported countries

• Organizations engaging with or reflecting on global issues

• Collaborative projects are encouraged

• Organizations with active AFAC grants may apply, though priority is given to those not currently funded

Funding:

• Up to 12 projects will be funded

• Maximum funding: EUR 65,000 per project

• Project duration: up to 24 months

2. Independent Digital Media Platforms

This subpillar supports digital media producing cultural content addressing regional or global issues.

Eligible platforms include:

• Journals, podcasts, artistic videos, or other forms of digital content

• Platforms operating for at least two years

• Critical content addressing societal, cultural, or global challenges

Funding:

• Up to 14 platforms supported

• Emerging platforms: up to EUR 15,000

• Established platforms: up to EUR 25,000

Additional Benefits for Selected Platforms:

• Three-day training on content creation and digital tools

• Peer-to-peer learning with representatives from established platforms

• One-on-one mentorship

• Webinars on topics including gender equality and climate change

Who Can Apply?

• Established cultural organizations or digital media platforms operating in one of the nine AFAC-supported countries

• Applicants with prior events or content addressing global or regional issues

• Collaborative projects are encouraged

• Organizations currently holding active AFAC grants may apply but are lower priority

Expected Outcomes

Projects supported by Creative Caravans are expected to:

• Circulate artistic and cultural works locally and internationally

• Promote cross-cultural dialogue and shared understanding

• Support marginalized voices and perspectives

• Strengthen media and cultural capacities

• Enhance engagement with regional and global issues through storytelling

How to Apply: Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Identify Your Project Category

• Choose between physical circulation (festivals, residencies, touring) or digital media platform

Step 2: Confirm Eligibility

• For physical projects: at least two prior events in one of the nine countries

• For digital platforms: operational for at least two years with critical cultural content

Step 3: Prepare Proposal

Include:

• Project description and objectives

• Timeline and milestones (maximum 24 months for physical projects)

• Budget and funding request

• Expected cultural and social impact

• Collaborative partners (if applicable)

Step 4: Submit Proposal

• Follow the Creative Caravans submission guidelines and deadlines

• Ensure all supporting materials are complete

Step 5: Post-Selection Support

• Participate in training, mentorship, and peer-to-peer learning opportunities

• Implement project activities as outlined in the approved proposal

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Submitting projects that do not address global or regional issues

• Failing to demonstrate prior experience in events or platform operations

• Exceeding the maximum funding or project duration

• Incomplete proposals or missing supporting documentation

• Not considering capacity-building or dissemination strategies

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Who can apply to Creative Caravans?

Established cultural organizations or independent digital media platforms in AFAC-supported countries with prior events or content addressing global issues.

2. What types of projects are funded?

Festivals, exhibitions, residencies, touring projects, and independent digital media platforms producing cultural content.

3. How much funding is available?

• Physical projects: up to EUR 65,000

• Digital platforms: EUR 15,000 for emerging, EUR 25,000 for established

4. Can organizations currently holding AFAC grants apply?

Yes, but priority is given to organizations not currently funded.

5. What additional support is provided for digital platforms?

Training, mentorship, peer-to-peer learning, and webinars on topics like gender equality and climate change.

6. How long should projects last?

Physical projects: up to 24 months. Digital platforms: timeline as specified in the proposal.

7. Are collaborative projects encouraged?

Yes, collaborative and cross-organizational projects are highly encouraged.

Conclusion

The Creative Caravans program provides funding and support for initiatives that circulate cultural works, foster digital storytelling, and engage communities with regional and global issues. By supporting festivals, residencies, touring projects, and digital platforms, the program enhances cross-cultural dialogue, amplifies marginalized voices, and strengthens creative capacities. Eligible organizations should submit well-prepared proposals to maximize cultural impact and reach diverse audiences.

For more information, visit AFAC.