Deadline: 21-Jun-2026
The EU National Institutes for Culture (EUNIC) has launched the second Spaces of Culture call for proposals to fund innovative cultural projects across Sub-Saharan Africa. Projects must involve triangular partnerships of local and European partners, promote co-creation and dialogue, and align with UN Sustainable Development Goals. Funding of up to EUR 50,000 is available, with a 5% mandatory co-funding contribution.
Overview
The Spaces of Culture initiative by the EU National Institutes for Culture (EUNIC) invites proposals for innovative cultural relations projects in Sub-Saharan Africa. The program emphasizes:
- Arts, creative industries, digitalization, and education
- Gender equality, heritage, human rights, social inclusion
- Sports, sustainability, tourism, and youth engagement
- Co-creation, dialogue, and joint capacity building
Projects are designed to strengthen Africa-Europe cultural cooperation, foster ethical collaborations, and promote free spaces for artistic expression.
Who Can Apply?
Eligible applicants must form a triangular partnership that includes:
- Local cultural or civil society stakeholders from the target country
- Full EUNIC members
- Active EU Delegations
Key Requirements:
- At least three local partners and three full EUNIC members (or two where no cluster exists)
- Commitment to fair and mutually beneficial partnerships
- Focus on innovation and local relevance
Funding Details
- Maximum funding per project: EUR 50,000
- Mandatory co-funding: Minimum 5% from partners or third parties
- Eligible expenses include: project activities, preparatory research, feasibility studies, and capacity building
Why It Matters
The program aims to:
- Enhance Africa-Europe cultural exchange
- Strengthen local and regional capacities
- Promote inclusion of youth, persons with disabilities, and remote communities
- Support projects aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
- Provide artistic freedom, particularly in fragile or illiberal contexts
Project Formats
Projects can take multiple forms, including:
- Digital, hybrid, and in-person formats
- Research, preparatory studies, and capacity-building activities
- Co-production, co-creation, and collaborative cultural events
Flexibility is offered for countries with limited or no EUNIC presence, ensuring broader geographic reach.
How to Apply
Step-by-step application process:
- Form a triangular partnership (local stakeholders + EUNIC members + EU Delegation)
- Develop a project concept addressing local needs, innovation, and SDG alignment
- Prepare a single consolidated application representing all partners
- Include a budget with mandatory co-funding (≥5%)
- Submit the application through the official EUNIC call portal
Tips for a strong application:
- Highlight local relevance and innovation
- Ensure balanced contributions from all partners
- Emphasize inclusion and accessibility for marginalized groups
- Detail preparatory research or capacity-building components
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Submitting multiple applications for the same project
- Ignoring co-funding requirements
- Excluding local or European partners from the triangular structure
- Overlooking digital or hybrid project opportunities
- Failing to connect project goals to UN SDGs
FAQs
1. Can projects involve more than three partners?
Yes, projects may include additional local or European partners beyond the minimum requirement.
2. Are preparatory studies eligible for funding?
Yes, research, feasibility studies, and capacity-building activities are fully supported.
3. What if my country has no EUNIC presence?
The program allows flexible partnerships in countries with limited or no EUNIC presence.
4. Can the project focus on a single thematic area?
Yes, but multidisciplinary projects covering arts, education, digitalization, or social inclusion are encouraged.
5. Is co-funding mandatory?
Yes, at least 5% of the total project cost must come from partners or third parties.
6. Are hybrid and digital formats accepted?
Absolutely, digital and hybrid project formats are encouraged.
7. How does the project align with the Team Europe approach?
Projects must foster collaboration between European and African stakeholders, reinforcing ethical, fair, and sustainable partnerships.
Conclusion
The Spaces of Culture call offers a unique opportunity to advance Africa-Europe cultural relations through innovative, inclusive, and collaborative projects. By promoting triangular partnerships, ethical engagement, and local relevance, the program empowers stakeholders to co-create meaningful cultural exchanges that contribute to societal progress and international collaboration.
For more information, visit EUNIC.