This call for proposals is open to tandems composed of one organization based in sub-Saharan Africa and one organization based in Europe, working in the fields of performing arts or music, and committed to building long-term collaboration.

The Connect and Create programme is an initiative led by the Goethe-Institut and Expertise France, in partnership with the Institut français and with the support of the European Union. It aims to foster collaboration, exchange, and the circulation of artistic works within Africa and between sub-Saharan Africa and the European Union. As the sub-Saharan African component of the Africa–Europe Cultural Partnership programme, it focuses on youth, emerging artistic scenes, and cultural diversity, with the ambition to build sustainable, inclusive, and equitable cooperation. 

The Connect and Create #Creative Tandems call for proposals is designed to support cooperation and co-production projects in the fields of performing arts and music. Each project must be jointly conceived and implemented by a tandem consisting of one partner based in sub-Saharan Africa and one partner based in a European Union country.

Applications must be submitted on behalf of the tandem by the African partner, who will also provide a letter of commitment from the European partner. Funding will be allocated to the African organization for the implementation of the joint programme. 

Eligible activities include:

• Artistic collaborations in the form of co-creation or co-production

• Artistic or research residencies

• Workshops, training sessions, exchange schemes, and peer-learning initiatives

Eligibility criteria. Projects must:

• Be implemented in sub-Saharan Africa, in a European Union country, or across both territories

• Have a duration of 18 to 24 months

• Take place between March 2026 and March 2028

The particular attention will be given to projects that:

• Build on existing tandems that have already collaborated and wish to strengthen their partnership

• Highlight young generations, emerging artistic scenes, and new contemporary creative practices

• Integrate eco-responsible approaches in their implementation

• Actively address issues of inclusion (gender, disability, etc.) 

Call deadline: 14 December 2025 (11:59 pm CET)

Selection committees: February 2026

Announcement of results: mid-February 2026

Applicants are invited to download the regulations governing grants provided by Expertise France, as well as the preparatory documents available below: 

Règlements appel à projets Tandems créatifs FR Règ

Rules for the call for proposals Creative Tandems ENG

Documents préalables à télécharger FR

Preliminary documents to download ENG

contact

Laetitia CHANTRAIT / Expertise France

Project Manager

Territorial Attractiveness, Culture and Heritage Division

Sustainable and Inclusive Economy Department

Mantchini TRAORÉ / Institut français

Project Manager for ICC and Artistic Cooperation in Africa

Culture and Solidarity Partnerships Division

Cooperation, Dialogue, Languages and Societies Department

connectandcreate@expertisefrance.fr