Strengthening Cultural Heritage Through Narrative Clusters in Southern Africa

The Goethe-Institut’s Africa-Europe Partnerships for Culture: Southern Africa project offers grants of up to €55,000 to non-profit organisations in Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho, Namibia, South Africa, and Zimbabwe. The programme supports interdisciplinary heritage co-productions, fostering collaboration between artists and organisations from at least three Southern African countries, with a focus on inclusive, sustainable, and gender-balanced cultural storytelling. Selected applicants will lead “Narrative Clusters,” developing new narratives, public events, and innovative heritage productions over a 15-month period.

Programme Overview

The Goethe-Institut invites non-profit, non-governmental organisations in Southern Africa to participate in a grant programme that promotes:

• Co-creation of new interdisciplinary heritage narratives

• Regional collaboration between organisations and creatives from at least three Southern African countries

• Capacity building for heritage cultural production and audience engagement

• Enhanced public visibility and intercultural dialogue around tangible and intangible heritage

The programme aims to strengthen the cultural ecosystem, increase audience engagement, and foster cross-border collaborations that highlight the contemporary relevance of heritage.

Key Funding Priorities

1. Narrative Clusters and Co-Productions

   • Organisations lead Narrative Clusters, collaborating with ~9 artists/creatives

   • Develop innovative stories in literature, film, performing arts, visual arts, crafts, digital/VR/AR formats

   • Deliver high-profile public events to local and regional audiences

2. Organisational Capacity Building

   • Improve skills in heritage production, storytelling, and audience engagement

   • Develop and manage tailored calls for proposals for co-productions

   • Coordinate joint working sessions, multi-day retreats, and presentation events

3. Sustainability and Inclusivity

   • Promote gender equality (target: 50% women participation)

   • Include persons with disabilities in planning and participation

   • Encourage environmentally friendly and sustainable practices

4. Priority Focus Areas

   • Organisations representing lesser-known heritage sites or practices

   • Heritage initiatives outside major urban centres with strong local community significance

Funding and Support

• Grant Amount: Up to €55,000 per Narrative Cluster

• Duration: 15 months

• Funds cover cluster management, artist coordination, co-productions, events, and audience engagement

• Organisations receive guidance and collaboration support from the Goethe-Institut

Eligibility

• Legally registered non-profit organisations operating in Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho, Namibia, South Africa, or Zimbabwe for at least two years

• Demonstrated track record in heritage-related activities

• Experience in managing tangible or intangible heritage elements

• Must be capable of leading regional collaborations involving at least three Southern African countries

How to Apply

1. Prepare an application detailing:

   • Organisational background and heritage experience

   • Proposed Narrative Cluster theme and concept

   • Artists and creatives involved (~9 participants)

   • Expected outputs, public engagement plans, and sustainability measures

2. Include supporting documents:

   • Legal registration proof

   • Previous project portfolios or references

   • Budget plan detailing use of requested funds

3. Submit the application through the Goethe-Institut grant portal before the specified deadline.

Evaluation Criteria

Applications will be assessed on:

• Artistic and cultural quality of proposed narratives

• Regional collaboration potential and diversity of participating artists

• Impact on heritage visibility and community engagement

• Sustainability and inclusivity, including gender balance and environmental responsibility

• Organisational capacity and experience in heritage management

Tips for a Strong Application

• Demonstrate community engagement and relevance of heritage narratives

• Highlight previous experience in cross-border projects or heritage productions

• Include innovative and interdisciplinary approaches

• Plan for public dissemination of co-productions and audience engagement

• Ensure clear budgeting for cluster management, co-productions, and event costs

Conclusion

The Africa-Europe Partnerships for Culture: Southern Africa project offers a transformative opportunity for non-profits to lead heritage co-productions, strengthen organisational capacity, and amplify local and regional narratives. By fostering collaboration across Southern Africa and supporting inclusive, sustainable storytelling, this grant promotes cultural exchange, community engagement, and visibility for lesser-known heritage practices, ensuring that heritage continues to thrive for future generations.