Unlocking Cultural Initiatives in Sub-Saharan Africa: The EUNIC "Spaces of Culture" Call for Proposals

Deadline: 21 June 2026

The EU National Institutes for Culture (EUNIC) has announced the launch of the second round of the Spaces of Culture initiative, inviting innovative cultural project proposals across Sub-Saharan Africa. This initiative seeks to enhance cultural collaboration between local entities and European partners while fostering co-creation and dialogue in line with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Participants can apply for funding up to EUR 50,000, complemented by a mandatory 5% co-funding requirement.

Overview of the "Spaces of Culture" Initiative

The Spaces of Culture initiative emphasizes various cultural dimensions:

• Arts, creative industries, digitalization, and education
• Gender equality, heritage, human rights, and social inclusion
• Sports, sustainability, youth engagement, and tourism
• Co-creation, dialogue, and capacity building

The initiative aims to strengthen cultural cooperation between Africa and Europe, fostering ethical partnerships and spaces for artistic expression.

Eligibility Criteria for Applicants

Interested parties must establish a triangular partnership that includes:

1. Local cultural or civil society stakeholders from the target country
2. Full EUNIC members
3. Active EU Delegations

Key Requirements:

• A minimum of three local partners and three full EUNIC members (or two if no cluster exists)
• Commitment to equitable and mutually beneficial partnerships
• Focus on innovation and local relevance

Funding Details

Financial Support:

• Maximum funding per project: EUR 50,000
• Mandatory co-funding: A minimum of 5% must be contributed by partners or third parties
• Eligible expenses include project activities, preparatory research, feasibility studies, and capacity building

Importance of the Initiative

The Spaces of Culture program has several significant objectives:

• Enhance cultural exchange between Africa and Europe
• Strengthen local and regional capacities
• Promote inclusion for youth, individuals with disabilities, and remote communities
• Support projects aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
• Uphold artistic freedom, especially in vulnerable or repressive contexts

Project Formats

Projects may take various forms:

• Digital, hybrid, and in-person formats
• Research and capacity-building initiatives
• Co-production and collaborative cultural events

The initiative provides flexibility, especially for countries with limited or no EUNIC presence, promoting a wider geographic reach.

Application Process

Step-by-Step Guide to Apply:

1. Establish a triangular partnership (local stakeholders + EUNIC members + EU Delegation)
2. Develop a project concept that addresses local needs, innovation, and SDG alignment
3. Prepare a consolidated application encompassing all partners
4. Include a budget that meets the mandatory co-funding requirement (≥5%)
5. Submit the application via the official EUNIC call portal

Tips for a Successful Application:

• Emphasize local relevance and innovation
• Ensure balanced contributions among all partners
• Highlight inclusivity and accessibility for marginalized groups
• Detail preparatory research or capacity-building activities

Common Mistakes to Avoid

To streamline the application process, be mindful of these common pitfalls:

• Submitting multiple proposals for the same project
• Neglecting co-funding requirements
• Excluding necessary partners from the triangular structure
• Overlooking digital or hybrid project opportunities
• Failing to align project goals with UN SDGs

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can projects involve more than three partners?
Yes, additional local or European partners may be included beyond the minimum requirement.

2. Are preparatory studies eligible for funding?
Absolutely, research, feasibility studies, and capacity-building activities are eligible.

3. What if my country has no EUNIC presence?
The initiative encourages flexible partnerships in regions with limited or no EUNIC involvement.

4. Can the project focus on a single thematic area?
Yes, but multidisciplinary projects covering areas like arts, education, digitalization, or social inclusion are encouraged.

5. Is co-funding mandatory?
Yes, at least 5% of the total project budget must come from partners or third parties.

6. Are hybrid and digital formats accepted?
Indeed, the initiative actively encourages both digital and hybrid project formats.

7. How does the project align with the Team Europe approach?
Projects must promote collaboration between European and African stakeholders, reinforcing ethical, fair, and sustainable partnerships.

Conclusion

The Spaces of Culture call for proposals is a vital opportunity for advancing cultural relations between Africa and Europe through innovative, inclusive, and collaborative projects. By promoting triangular partnerships and emphasizing ethical engagement and local significance, this initiative empowers stakeholders to create meaningful cultural exchanges that contribute to societal progress and international collaboration.

For further information, visit EUNIC.