Open Call for Culture Moves Salone Mobility Fund (Sierra Leone)

The Culture Moves Salone Mobility Fund provides grants of up to 50,000 SLE to support professional mobility for artists and cultural professionals within Sierra Leone. Funding covers travel, accommodation, and project-related costs for career development, creative exploration, skills learning, and network building. Applicants must be 18+, provide proof of residence in Sierra Leone, and contribute at least 10% co-funding.

The Culture Moves Salone Mobility Fund aims to strengthen the careers, skills, and networks of cultural and creative sector professionals across Sierra Leone.

Fund 1 focuses on national mobility, supporting travel between regions, particularly between Freetown and other areas, for professional, creative, and developmental purposes.

Programme Objectives

The fund seeks to:

• Expand access to professional opportunities, networks, and markets for cultural actors

• Promote skills development through exploration, learning, and peer-to-peer experiences

• Support decentralised participation across Sierra Leone and South–South exchanges across Africa

• Foster collaboration and long-term capacity building in the cultural and creative sectors

• Strengthen local creative economies, particularly in underserved or rural areas

Eligible Sectors

The programme supports professionals across all cultural and creative sectors, including:

• Architecture

• Audiovisual and media

• Crafts

• Cultural heritage

• Design

• Fashion and textiles

• Film

• Literature

• Music

• Performing arts

• Publishing

• Visual arts

Who is Eligible

Individual Applicants

• Artists and cultural professionals

• Producers, managers, entrepreneurs, researchers, journalists, programmers, and curators

• Must be 18 years or older

• Must provide proof of residence in Sierra Leone

Organisational Applicants

• NGOs, creative hubs, associations, and collectives

• Public cultural institutions

• Creative businesses operating as structured entrepreneurial entities

Additional Requirements

• Minimum co-funding of 10% (cash or in kind)

• Priority for initiatives that support talent development in underserved areas and connect urban and rural creative communities

Funding Details

• Grant amount: Up to 50,000 SLE per project

• Co-funding: Minimum 10% of project budget

• Number of grants: Approximately 10–15

• Eligible costs include:

  • Travel within Sierra Leone (local transport, flights, or buses)

  • Accommodation and meals

  • Administrative or management costs related to mobility and project delivery

Types of Supported Activities

Projects should focus on one or more of the following:

• Exploration: Research trips, inspiration, study visits, and residencies

• Development: Creative production, partnerships, co-productions, presentations, or exhibitions

• Learning: Workshops, masterclasses, internships, skills exchanges, and peer learning

• Connection: Networking events, conferences, debates, and audience engagement to build collaborations

Application Process

Step 1: Prepare Application

• Complete the online application form

• Include a one-page CV or portfolio

• Ensure your proposal aligns with Fund 1 objectives and eligibility requirements

Step 2: Co-Funding

• Confirm contribution of at least 10% of total project costs in cash or in kind

Step 3: Submit Before Deadline

• Submission deadline: 23 March 2026

Step 4: Post-Selection

• Sign grant agreement outlining payment conditions

• Receive 80% of the grant upfront after agreement signature

• Remaining 20% released upon submission of final feedback (report, workshop, or video) within ~1 month of return

Priority Considerations

Funding priority will be given to projects that:

• Strengthen local creative economies in underserved or rural areas

• Identify and support talent outside the capital

• Foster collaboration and knowledge exchange between urban and rural creative communities

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Not providing proof of residence in Sierra Leone

2. Failing to include required co-funding

3. Submitting proposals outside the defined cultural sectors or mobility objectives

4. Omitting CV or portfolio in the application

5. Proposing activities not linked to exploration, development, learning, or professional connection

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Who can apply?

Individual artists and cultural professionals, NGOs, hubs, associations, collectives, public cultural institutions, and structured creative businesses based in Sierra Leone.

2. What is the maximum grant amount?

Up to 50,000 SLE per project.

3. Is co-funding required?

Yes, at least 10% of the project budget, either in cash or in kind.

4. What activities are eligible?

National mobility for exploration, creative development, skills learning, and professional networking across regions in Sierra Leone.

5. What documents are required?

Online application form and a one-page CV or portfolio.

6. When is the application deadline?

23 March 2026.

7. How is the grant paid?

80% after signing the grant agreement, 20% after submission of final feedback approximately one month post-mobility.

Conclusion

The Culture Moves Salone Mobility Fund – Fund 1 offers Sierra Leonean cultural professionals and organisations the opportunity to expand their skills, networks, and creative reach through national mobility.

By funding travel, skill-building, and professional connection initiatives, the programme strengthens local creative economies, supports underserved regions, and fosters long-term sector sustainability.