Deadline: 02-Apr-2026
The AFAC Performing Arts Grant Program supports the creation, production, and distribution of theater and dance projects rooted in the Arab region. The program funds classical, folk, and contemporary performing arts initiatives, enabling artists and institutions to develop high-quality performances, festivals, and training activities with regional and international reach.
AFAC Performing Arts Grant Program Overview
The Arab Fund for Arts and Culture (AFAC) Performing Arts Grant Program is an annual funding initiative designed to strengthen theater and dance practices connected to the Arab region. It supports artistic experimentation, professional production, and audience engagement across diverse performance formats and age groups.
The program prioritizes artistic quality, cultural relevance, and feasible project implementation.
What Types of Projects Are Supported
The grant supports a wide range of performing arts activities, including:
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Theater and dance performances (classical, folk, contemporary)
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Performance art and site-specific interventions
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Public performances and community-based productions
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Festivals and curated performance programs
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Training workshops in playwriting, acting, directing, dancing, and choreography
Projects may target children, youth, adults, or intergenerational audiences.
Grant Amounts and Funding Structure
AFAC provides annual grants based on applicant type:
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Up to USD 25,000 for individuals and teams
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Up to USD 35,000 for collectives and institutions
Grant amounts are determined by project scale, scope, and evaluation outcomes.
Who Is Eligible to Apply
The program is open to a broad range of applicants connected to the Arab region.
Eligible applicants include:
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Individuals originating from Arab countries, regardless of residence, citizenship, or national identity
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Local, regional, and international institutions working on arts and culture projects related to the Arab region
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Artistic and cultural institutions, galleries, venues, and nonprofit or for-profit organizations
Both emerging and established practitioners are welcome to apply.
Who Is Not Eligible
To ensure fairness and avoid conflicts of interest, the following are not eligible:
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AFAC board of trustees members, staff, business partners, and family members
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Members of the current year’s reader or juror committees in the categories they evaluate
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Applicants who have received AFAC grants in two consecutive years
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Applicants who currently hold an open AFAC grant
These restrictions help maintain transparency and integrity in the selection process.
What the Grant Covers
AFAC Performing Arts grants support project production, including:
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Research and development phases
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Materials and production supplies
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Space and equipment rental
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Artistic, technical, and collaborative labor fees
An artist or institutional fee of up to 30 percent of the total grant amount is permitted.
Travel and Expense Rules
Travel expenses may be covered only when they are essential to project research or implementation. AFAC does not provide mobility grants. Completed projects and expenses incurred before the grant agreement is signed are not eligible for funding.
Why This Grant Matters
The AFAC Performing Arts Grant Program plays a critical role in:
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Sustaining theater and dance practices in the Arab region
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Supporting cultural expression and experimentation
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Expanding access to performing arts for diverse audiences
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Strengthening regional and international artistic exchange
It enables artists to create meaningful performances that reflect social, cultural, and artistic realities.
How to Apply
Applications must be submitted exclusively through AFAC’s online application system.
Application steps:
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Complete the official online application form
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Upload all required supporting materials and work samples
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Review eligibility and completeness before submission
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Submit by the deadline
Submissions via email or regular mail are not accepted. Incomplete applications are automatically disqualified.
Application Deadline
The submission deadline for the AFAC Performing Arts Grant Program is:
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02 April 2026
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5:00 PM Beirut time (GMT+3)
Late submissions are not reviewed.
How Applications Are Evaluated
After the call closes:
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AFAC reviews applications for eligibility and completeness
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Independent readers assess artistic quality and feasibility
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Jurors conduct final evaluations and selections
Selected applicants are notified by email before the public announcement on AFAC’s website and social media platforms.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Applicants should avoid:
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Submitting incomplete applications or missing materials
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Applying while holding an open AFAC grant
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Requesting funding for completed projects
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Including expenses incurred before contract signing
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Ignoring eligibility and conflict-of-interest rules
Careful preparation increases the likelihood of success.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can apply for the AFAC Performing Arts Grant?
Individuals from Arab countries and institutions working on Arab-region-related arts and culture projects are eligible.
What art forms does the grant support?
The program supports theater, dance, performance art, festivals, and training workshops.
Are institutions allowed to apply?
Yes. Both nonprofit and for-profit cultural institutions and venues may apply.
Does AFAC fund completed performances?
No. Completed projects and retroactive expenses are not eligible for funding.
Can travel costs be included in the budget?
Yes, but only if travel is essential to project research or implementation.
How much funding can an individual request?
Individuals and teams may request up to USD 25,000 per project.
When will applicants receive results?
Applicants are informed by email before selected projects are publicly announced.
Conclusion
The AFAC Performing Arts Grant Program provides vital support for theater and dance projects that reflect and enrich cultural life in the Arab region. By funding production, experimentation, and distribution, the program empowers artists and institutions to create impactful performances and reach wider audiences across borders.
For more information, visit AFAC.
