EUNIC Launches Second Edition of Spaces of Culture Grants for Cultural Projects in Sub-Saharan Africa and Europe
The European Union National Institutes for Culture (EUNIC) has officially kicked off the second edition of its Spaces of Culture call for proposals. This initiative invites cultural actors from Sub-Saharan Africa and Europe to submit their project applications for grants of up to €50,000. The call, which started on April 1, 2026, aims to support seven innovative cultural relations projects based on principles of equal partnership, local ownership, and co-creation between African and European participants.
Application Deadline
- Submission Closing Date: June 21, 2026, at 23:59 CAT
- Partner Discussions: Begin prior to April 30, 2026
Overview of the Grant
The EUNIC Spaces of Culture 2026 programme focuses on promoting cultural initiatives throughout Sub-Saharan Africa. It is funded by EUNIC under the Africa-Europe Partnerships for Culture initiative. The selected projects will aim to establish sustainable cultural relations and can access grants of up to €50,000 each, fostering equal engagement and collaborative efforts between African and European stakeholders.
Eligible Project Areas
Projects may cover a variety of cultural and social themes, such as:
- Arts & Creative Industries
- Digitalization
- Education
- Gender Equality
- Heritage Preservation
- Human Rights
- Social Inclusion
- Sports
- Sustainability
- Tourism
- Youth Programming
Grant Type
- Cultural Relations Grant | Up to €50,000 in project funding
Eligibility Criteria
To apply for this grant, applicants must form a triangular partnership that involves:
- At least three local cultural or civil society partners from Sub-Saharan Africa.
- At least three EUNIC members (or two if no cluster exists).
- Mandatory collaboration with an EU Delegation.
Note: This is a consortium application only; individual grants are not accepted.
Project Selection Process
Projects will be evaluated by an independent jury of four experts from both Africa and Europe, based on the following criteria:
- Commitment to equal partnership
- Emphasis on local ownership and agency
- Incorporation of innovation and contemporary formats
- Contribution to enhancing Africa-Europe cultural relations
Eligible Countries
Eligible applicants must be participating from Sub-Saharan African countries and partner with EUNIC members from Europe.
Project Implementation
The funded projects will be executed across Sub-Saharan Africa, partnering with various European stakeholders to enhance cultural collaborations.
Number of Grants Available
In 2026, a total of seven projects will be funded.
Benefits of the Grant
Funded projects will receive:
- Up to €50,000 per project
- Financial support for cultural relations activities
- Opportunities for innovative, co-created formats
- Enhanced Africa-Europe partnerships
- Capacity-building and networking opportunities
Funding Duration
The duration of the grant will vary based on the project design, typically covering one funding cycle from 2026 to 2027.
How to Apply
Here’s a step-by-step guide to applying for the grant:
- Initiate discussions with potential partners before April 30, 2026.
- Establish a qualifying consortium comprising local partners, EUNIC members, and an EU Delegation.
- Prepare a project proposal that aligns with the principles of cultural relations.
- Submit the application through the EUNIC website by June 21, 2026, at 23:59 CAT.
For further details on the application process, visit the official EUNIC Spaces of Culture webpage.
This initiative empowers cultural actors across regions, fostering collaboration and mutual enrichment between Sub-Saharan Africa and Europe. Don’t miss this opportunity to make a meaningful impact in cultural relations!
