Deadline: 15-Sep-2026
Zad: Miles for Connection is a support program that helps artists from the Arab region who have relocated to Europe present their artistic and literary work in new European cities and countries. The program provides financial and logistical assistance for travel, accommodation, artwork transportation, translation, childcare, and other costs to increase artists’ visibility and connection with European cultural communities.
About the Program
Zad: Miles for Connection supports cultural exchange by helping Arab artists expand their presence within European artistic and literary spaces.
The initiative recognizes that artists who relocate to new countries may face challenges such as:
- Difficulty accessing European cultural networks
- Limited opportunities to present creative work
- Financial barriers to travel
- Challenges connecting with audiences and institutions
- Social and political pressures affecting cultural participation
Through financial assistance and mobility support, the program helps artists continue their creative practices and build meaningful connections across Europe.
Purpose of Zad: Miles for Connection
The program aims to:
- Support artistic mobility across Europe
- Increase visibility of Arab artists and cultural practitioners
- Enable artists to present work to new audiences
- Strengthen cultural exchange between regions
- Encourage participation in European artistic and literary spaces
- Support artists affected by relocation and displacement
The program focuses on the idea that artistic exchange can create dialogue, connection, and shared understanding between communities.
What Support Does the Grant Provide?
Zad: Miles for Connection offers financial support to cover costs related to presenting artistic and literary work.
Supported expenses may include:
Travel and Accommodation Costs
The program can cover:
- International travel expenses
- Accommodation costs
- Local transportation within destination countries
- Daily living expenses
- Travel insurance
Support for Special Circumstances
Funding may also support:
- Additional costs related to health conditions or special needs
- Travel expenses for children and partners
- Childcare costs
Artwork and Production Support
The grant may cover:
- Shipping of artworks
- Transportation of production materials
- Equipment-related travel costs
- Translation of artworks
- Simultaneous interpretation during public events
Sustainable Travel Approach
Zad encourages environmentally and financially sustainable travel methods whenever possible.
Applicants are encouraged to consider:
- Train travel
- Shared public transportation
- Lower-impact travel options
The program recognizes the importance of responsible mobility while supporting artistic exchange.
Who Is Eligible for Zad: Miles for Connection?
The program is designed for artists from the Arab region who have relocated to Europe.
Eligible applicants must:
- Be artists originally from the Arab region
- Have moved to Europe since 2015
- Be currently living in a European country
- Have an artistic or literary practice
- Present their work to new audiences outside their country of residence
Priority may be given to artists from:
Eligible Artistic Fields
The program welcomes applications from different artistic disciplines.
Eligible applicants may include:
- Directors
- Writers
- Authors
- Composers
- Scenographers
- Producers
- Curators
- Other artistic and literary practitioners
Both individual artists and artistic groups may apply.
Activity Requirements
Applicants must meet specific project requirements.
The proposed activity must:
- Take place outside the applicant’s current country of residence
- Present the artist’s work to new audiences
- Be supported by an official invitation from an artistic or literary organization
The invitation should confirm the opportunity to participate in an exhibition, performance, reading, cultural event, or other artistic presentation.
Who Is Not Eligible?
The following applicants are not eligible:
- Beneficiaries of other Ettijahat programs (where restrictions apply)
- Current Zad/Ettijahat team members
- First-degree relatives of current team members
Applicants should review program rules carefully before submitting an application.
Why Zad: Miles for Connection Matters
Artists who relocate often face challenges maintaining professional networks and accessing cultural opportunities.
This program plays an important role by:
- Helping artists reach new audiences
- Supporting international artistic exchange
- Reducing financial barriers to cultural participation
- Strengthening connections between Arab and European cultural communities
- Creating opportunities for collaboration and visibility
By supporting mobility, the program helps artists continue contributing to cultural dialogue and creative innovation.
How to Apply for Zad: Miles for Connection
Applicants should follow the application process carefully.
Step 1: Confirm Eligibility
Before applying, artists should check that they:
- Are from the Arab region
- Relocated to Europe after 2015
- Meet artistic practice requirements
- Have an invitation from an eligible cultural organization
Step 2: Prepare Required Information
Applicants should prepare details about:
- Their artistic background
- Proposed activity
- Destination country and city
- Host organization
- Expected audience and impact
- Required travel and logistical costs
Step 3: Obtain an Official Invitation
Applicants must secure an official invitation from an artistic or literary entity.
The invitation should confirm:
- The purpose of travel
- The artistic event or presentation
- The opportunity to reach new audiences
Step 4: Submit Application
Applications can be submitted in:
- Arabic
- English
Applicants should provide complete and accurate information before submission.
Step 5: Independent Evaluation Process
Applications are reviewed by an independent multicultural committee.
The evaluation process considers:
- Artistic value
- Potential audience engagement
- Relevance of the proposed activity
- Need for mobility support
- Expected cultural impact
Tips for a Strong Application
Applicants can strengthen their proposals by:
- Clearly explaining their artistic practice
- Describing how the activity reaches new audiences
- Providing a detailed travel budget
- Demonstrating the importance of the opportunity
- Including a strong invitation letter
- Explaining the expected cultural exchange outcomes
Common Application Mistakes to Avoid
Applicants should avoid:
- Applying without an official invitation
- Proposing activities that do not reach new audiences
- Submitting incomplete budget information
- Missing required documents
- Not explaining the artistic impact
- Applying without checking eligibility requirements
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is Zad: Miles for Connection?
Zad: Miles for Connection is a mobility support program that helps Arab artists living in Europe present their artistic and literary work in new locations.
Who can apply for the program?
Artists from the Arab region who moved to Europe since 2015 and meet the eligibility requirements can apply.
What costs does the grant cover?
The grant can support travel, accommodation, transportation, insurance, daily expenses, childcare, artwork shipping, translation, and other approved costs.
Can artistic groups apply?
Yes. Both individual artists and artistic groups may apply.
Do applicants need an invitation?
Yes. Applicants must have an official invitation from an artistic or literary organization for an activity outside their country of residence.
Which languages are accepted for applications?
Applications are accepted in Arabic and English.
Who evaluates applications?
Applications are reviewed by an independent multicultural committee.
Conclusion
Zad: Miles for Connection provides essential mobility support for Arab artists who have relocated to Europe and want to share their creative work with new audiences. By covering travel, accommodation, production, translation, and other practical costs, the program helps artists overcome barriers and participate more actively in European cultural spaces.
Through artistic exchange and international collaboration, Zad supports creativity, cultural dialogue, and stronger connections between Arab artists and communities across Europe.
For more information, visit Ettijahat – Independent Culture.