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Request for Proposals: Kuonyesha Art Fund (Africa)

Deadline: 28-Feb-2026

The Kuonyesha Art Fund provides grants to artists across Africa to enhance artistic quality, social relevance, and public engagement. Funding supports visual, performing, literary, and multidisciplinary arts, with grant sizes ranging from UGX 4,000,000 to UGX 20,000,000 for Uganda-based artists and up to USD 5,000 for artists elsewhere in Africa. The program prioritizes originality, socio-political engagement, audience development, and innovation.

Overview of the Kuonyesha Art Fund

The Kuonyesha Art Fund nurtures and develops art in Uganda and across Africa by supporting projects that:

  • Enhance the quality and originality of artistic work

  • Engage with societal and socio-political issues

  • Expand access to art through new and underserved spaces

  • Foster collaboration and innovation across sectors

  • Promote audience growth and engagement

The fund recognizes diverse artistic practices, including:

  • Visual arts, performing arts, literary arts, fashion and product design

  • Literature, publishing, audio-visual media, dance, music, theatre, film, photography

  • Folklore, spoken word, arts research, exhibitions, multidisciplinary projects

  • Publications, dissemination initiatives, and other innovative or cross-cutting practices

Who is Eligible?

  • Artists of all ages living and working in Africa (minors must be guided by an adult)

  • Established artists and groups with a track record

  • Artists with existing ideas requiring additional resources

  • Emerging artists seeking exposure or experimentation

  • Artists aiming to enhance work quality via research, training, equipment, or visibility

  • Female artists and artists with disabilities are particularly encouraged

  • Applicants must be citizens, permanent residents, or currently living in an African country

  • Projects must be implemented within the 2026–2027 grant cycle

Funding Details

  • Uganda-based partners: UGX 4,000,000 – UGX 20,000,000

  • Other African partners: Up to USD 5,000

  • Funding supports established, developmental, and emerging artists based on experience level

  • Grants cover project implementation costs, including creation, dissemination, research, or visibility

How to Apply / How It Works

  1. Application Submission – Online submission is required; physical submissions allowed for regions with limited internet access

  2. Required Materials – Completed application with supporting materials such as:

    • Images, videos, audio samples, manuscripts, scripts, research summaries

    • Works must be original and owned by the artist

  3. One Application Only – Each artist or group may submit one application

  4. Selection Criteria – Based on artistic quality, originality, societal relevance, audience engagement, innovation, and feasibility

  5. No Fees – The fund does not charge application fees

  6. Application Deadline – 28 February 2026

Why It Matters

The Kuonyesha Art Fund strengthens the African arts ecosystem by:

  • Supporting creative experimentation and development

  • Fostering public engagement and social impact through art

  • Promoting diversity and inclusion in the arts

  • Expanding artistic access in underserved or unconventional spaces

Common Mistakes and Tips

  • Ensure all required supporting materials are included

  • Projects must be original works owned by the applicant

  • Avoid submitting multiple applications per cycle

  • Clearly demonstrate impact, originality, and feasibility

  • Follow submission guidelines carefully, especially for applicants using physical applications

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Who can apply? Artists living in Africa, including minors with adult guidance, with priority for female and disability-inclusive applicants.
2. What types of projects are eligible? Visual, performing, literary, multidisciplinary arts, research, dissemination, and innovative artistic practices.
3. What is the funding range? UGX 4,000,000 – UGX 20,000,000 for Uganda-based artists; up to USD 5,000 for other African artists.
4. Can I submit more than one application? No, only one application per artist or group is allowed.
5. What supporting materials are required? Images, videos, audio, manuscripts, scripts, or research summaries depending on art form.
6. Are application fees required? No, the fund does not charge fees.
7. When is the deadline? 28 February 2026.

Conclusion

The Kuonyesha Art Fund empowers African artists to create socially relevant, original, and high-quality work while expanding access and audience engagement. By supporting established, emerging, and developmental artists, the fund fosters innovation, collaboration, and visibility across the continent’s vibrant cultural landscape.

For more information, visit Kuonyesha Art Fund.