Connect & Create 2027 Calls | Africa & Europe | Cultural Projects | Up to 70% Funding
The Africa–Europe Partnerships for Culture programme, funded by the European Union, has launched two new calls for applications under the Connect & Create programme.
The calls are designed to strengthen cultural cooperation between Sub-Saharan Africa and the European Union by supporting the international circulation of performing arts and music and enabling cultural professionals to participate in major international events.
Eligible organisations from Sub-Saharan Africa and the European Union can apply for support covering up to 70% of eligible project costs.
At a Glance
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Programme | Africa–Europe Partnerships for Culture |
| Programme Component | Connect & Create |
| Opportunity Type | Cultural Project Support |
| Fields | Performing Arts, Music & Cultural Cooperation |
| Calls | Circulation & Professional Mobility |
| Eligible Applicants | Organisations in Sub-Saharan Africa and the EU |
| Funding | Up to 70% of project costs |
| Deadline | 30 September 2026 |
| Closing Time | 23:59 Paris time |
| Programme Year | 2027 |
| Application Method | Online |
About the Opportunity
The Connect & Create programme is part of the Africa–Europe Partnerships for Culture programme, funded by the European Union.
It aims to strengthen cultural relations between Sub-Saharan Africa and Europe by creating opportunities for artists, cultural organisations and professionals to collaborate, exchange knowledge and participate in international cultural activities.
For the 2027 programme, two calls for applications are currently open, focusing on the circulation of artistic works and professional mobility for cultural delegations.
Call 1: Circulation
The Circulation call supports projects that facilitate the circulation and international dissemination of performing arts and music between Sub-Saharan Africa and the European Union.
The call is intended to support cultural cooperation and provide opportunities for artistic productions and cultural projects to reach audiences across Africa and Europe.
Projects should demonstrate meaningful cooperation between eligible organisations and contribute to stronger cultural connections between the two regions.
Call 2: Professional Mobility
The Professional Mobility call supports the participation and mobility of cultural delegations at major international events.
The opportunity is designed to help cultural professionals and organisations build international networks, establish partnerships and develop new professional opportunities through participation in major cultural and professional events.
Funding
The Connect & Create calls can cover up to:
70% of eligible project costs
Applicants should ensure that their proposed project has a clear and realistic budget and that the requested support is directly connected to eligible project activities.
The remaining portion of project costs must be covered through other eligible resources according to the programme's funding conditions.
Who Should Apply?
The calls are intended for eligible organisations working in the cultural and creative sectors in:
- Sub-Saharan Africa
- European Union member states
Potential applicants may include organisations working in:
- Performing arts
- Music
- Cultural production
- Cultural cooperation
- Artistic programming
- International cultural exchanges
- Professional cultural networks
Applicants should carefully review the official call documents to confirm the specific eligibility requirements for their organisation and proposed project.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants should:
- Be an eligible organisation based in Sub-Saharan Africa or the European Union.
- Work in the relevant cultural or creative sector.
- Submit a project that corresponds to one of the two calls.
- Demonstrate meaningful international or Africa–Europe cooperation.
- Provide a clear project plan.
- Present a realistic and justified budget.
- Demonstrate the capacity to implement the proposed activities.
The exact eligibility requirements may differ between the Circulation and Professional Mobility calls.
Required Documents
Applicants should prepare the documents and information requested in the official Connect & Create 2027 call documents.
These may include:
- Organisation information
- Project description
- Project objectives
- Activities and implementation plan
- Partnership information
- Expected results
- Project budget
- Funding information
- Supporting organisational documents
Applicants should carefully check the official application guidelines before submitting their proposal.
How to Apply
Organisations interested in applying should first identify which of the two calls best matches their project:
1. Circulation: For projects supporting the circulation of performing arts and music.
2. Professional Mobility: For projects supporting the mobility of cultural delegations attending major international events.
Applicants should then:
- Review the official Connect & Create 2027 call documents.
- Confirm that their organisation meets the eligibility requirements.
- Develop a project that directly responds to the selected call.
- Prepare the required project and organisational documents.
- Prepare a detailed and realistic budget.
- Submit the application through the official application process before the deadline.
How to Increase Your Chances
A strong project proposal should:
- Clearly explain the cultural cooperation idea.
- Demonstrate meaningful Africa–Europe collaboration.
- Define clear and achievable objectives.
- Explain the expected cultural and professional impact.
- Provide a realistic implementation plan.
- Present a well-structured and justified budget.
- Clearly explain how the project contributes to the objectives of Connect & Create.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoid:
- Applying without checking the eligibility requirements.
- Submitting a project that does not correspond to the selected call.
- Providing an unclear or unrealistic budget.
- Failing to demonstrate Africa–Europe cooperation.
- Leaving required documents incomplete.
- Waiting until the final hours to submit the application.
- Submitting after the deadline.
Application Deadline
30 September 2026 at 23:59 Paris time
Applicants should submit their applications before the stated deadline. Applications received after the deadline may not be considered.
APPLY NOW
Organisations should review the official Connect & Create 2027 call documents and application instructions before submitting their proposals.
