Support for the cultural and creative sectors in ACP countries

eastern africa

IGNITE CULTURE FUNDS 18 CULTURAL SMEs FOR €1.9 MILLION

In April 2023, our Ignite Culture partners announced the winners of the second round of funding, celebrating East Africa’s rich cultural talent. A total of 18 cultural enterprises, representing eight countries in the region, were selected and awarded funding worth an impressive €1,908,507. This support will help to sustain and promote the diversity and creativity of the East African cultural scene, opening up new opportunities for these businesses.

Photo: Simma Arts
Photo: Ignite Culture

IGNITE CULTURE GRANT FUELS 20 CULTURAL BUSINESSES WITH € 2.5 MILLION

Following a successful application round for the Ignite Culture grant in 2021, our East Africa cluster has been able to select a cohort of 20 creative and cultural businesses from across East Africa (8 countries). A total of EUR 2.5 million has been committed to these companies.

CALL FOR PROPOSALS

2022

  • Third call for proposals

On 22 November 2022, our Ignite Culture programme launched its third and final call for proposals for organisations and professionals in the cultural and creative sectors in East Africa.

Until 13 December 2022, artists and other cultural professionals with operational and registered businesses can apply for grants of up to EUR 180,000.

All proposed projects must be implemented within a maximum period of 6 months.

For more information, please visit https://linktr.ee/ignitecultureea.

  •  Second call for proposals 

On 6 July 2022, a second call for proposals has been launched for a budget of around €1.7 million. 

Until 7 September 2022 (following two extensions), East-African artists and other cultural professionals with operational and registered businesses can apply for grants ranging from EUR 30 000 to 180 000.

The grant programme has been designed to enable organisations to successfully develop new businesses, programmes and projects for their target communities and demographic groups, which will go a long way to making their own work and that of their target communities more sustainable.

In addition, it will enable the winners to design, implement and engage in any activity that :

  • will strengthen the creative and cultural ecosystem in East Africa;
  • improve the access and visibility of the various creative and cultural sectors in East Africa;
  • will promote the economic growth of the creative and cultural sector in East Africa.

A practical information pack is available to facilitate the submission of projects:

2021

  • First call for proposal

Through its “Ignite Culture” action, our East African hub launched its first call for proposals – for the benefit of 14 countries in the region – during the period from 17 August to 15 September, which closed mid-September 2021. 

A specific section of the call dedicated to French-language proposals was open from 17 September to 3 November 2021.

A pre-selection of proposals allowed to identify 21 projects for a total amount of EUR 2 557 483