This call for projects is aimed to support organisations and international events (festivals, professional meetings, trade fairs and markets, conventions, etc.) in Sub-Saharan Africa and European Union countries that host delegations of professionals (excluding artists) from both continents. 

The Connect & Create programme is the Sub-Saharan Africa component of the Africa–Europe Partnerships for Culture programme, funded by the European Union. This ambitious project, led by the Goethe-Institut and Expertise France in partnership with Institut français, embodies the Team Europe spirit and seeks to renew and strengthen cultural ties between Sub-Saharan Africa and the European Union through the principles of equity, inclusion and sustainability.

Institut français and Expertise France play a key role in the performing arts and music sectors by implementing mobility, international co-production and exchange initiatives for artists and cultural professionals.

The Connect & Create # Professional Mobility call for projects aims to support the mobility of performing arts and music professionals from Sub-Saharan African countries and European Union Member States. These mobilities take the form of tailored made professional programmes integrated into international-scale events and key industry gatherings.

Objectives of the mobility programmes

Projects must propose programmes designed for cultural professionals. Activities may include:

• opportunities to discover local and international artistic scenes;

• training activities;

• conferences and experience-sharing sessions;

• networking activities;

• B2B meetings.

Composition of delegations

Delegations must consist of a minimum of 8 cultural professionals aged 18 or over, from one of the 47 eligible countries in Sub-Saharan African countries or one of the 27 European Union Member States. 

Delegations must demonstrate a strong international dimension:

• At least 5 different nationalities for delegations of 8 to 10 professionals;
• At least 8 different nationalities for delegations of more than 10 professionals. 

Eligible profiles

Delegations may notably include:

• programmers/curators;

• producers;

• agents;

• event organisers;

• network coordinators;

• company representatives;

• festival representatives.

Eligible events

Mobility programmes may be integrated into international events such as:

• Festivals, trade fairs and professional markets;
• Conventions, seminars and symposiums;
• Workshops and professional meetings. 

Types of supported mobility

Mobility to Europe : support will be provided exclusively to African professionals.

Mobility to Sub-Saharan Africa : support may be provided to both African and/or European professionals.

Eligible costs

The programme covers costs related to the mobility of professionals participating in the delegations, including:

• International, national and local transport costs for participants travelling in economy class or equivalent;
• Visa and insurance costs;
• Accommodation and per diem;
• Translation costs. 

The grant awarded may not exceed 70% of the total project budget. Applicants must demonstrate at least 30% co-financing (cash and/or in-kind contributions). 

Timeline

Mobility activities must take place between February and December 2027, in Africa, Europe, or across both regions.

Particular attention will be given to projects that:

• Demonstrate originality, strong contextual relevance and a distinctive artistic approach;
• Foster long-term collaborations;
• Support younger generations;
• Promote emerging artistic scenes;
• Integrate environmentally responsible practices;
• Address inclusion and accessibility.

Call deadline: 30 September 2026 (11:59 PM CET)

Selection committee: December 2026

Announcement of selected projects: January 2027 

When preparing their applications, applicants are asked to download the Rules for the call for projects, as well as the preliminary documents available below. 

Règlement Mobilités de professionnels FR

Rules for the call for projects professional mobility ENG

Documents préalables à télécharger FR

Preliminary documents to download ENG

contact

Emily MEISEL / Expertise France

Chargée de projet

Pôle Attractivité des territoires, Culture et Patrimoine

Département Économie durable et inclusive

François TIGER / Institut français

Responsable 

Pôle culture et partenariats solidaires

Direction Coopérations et Dialogues des sociétés

connectandcreate@expertisefrance.fr