Who can apply?

• Artistic teams: performing arts companies, musical ensembles and Africa-based collectives ;
• Distribution and support organisations: production agencies, artist development organisations, artist support organisations, record labels, performances venues and cultural spaces based in Africa or Europe;
• Events: festivals, professional markets, trade fairs and professional networking events held in Africa or Europe.

Applicant organisations must be based in one of the 47 eligible countries in Sub-Saharan Africa or in one of the 27 member states of the European Union.

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 the 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.

L’appel à projets Connect & Create #Circulation du spectacle vivant et des musiques a pour objectif de soutenir la diffusion et la circulation des créations artistiques africaines en Afrique et en Europe, à travers des aides financières pour l’organisation de tournées ou la programmation dans le cadre de grandes manifestations internationales.

Types of projects supported

Touring:

• In Africa: at least 5 confirmed performances in a minimum of 3 different countries (excluding the country of residence of the artist, group or company).
• In Europe: at least 3 confirmed performances in one or more European countries. 

Programming within major events:

• In Africa or Europe: festivals or events programming at least 3 artistic teams from 3 different African countries. 

Eligible costs

The programme covers costs related to the mobility of artistic teams, including:

• International, national and local transportation costs for individuals travelling in economy class or equivalent;
• Visa and insurance costs;
• Accommodation and per diem;
• Transportation of scenographic and technical equipment required for performances. 

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

Timeline

Projects must take place between February and December 2027, in Africa or Europe. 

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 sustainable approaches.
• 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 appel à projets Circulation Spectacle Vivant et Musiques FRRè

Rules for the call for projects Circulation of performing arts and music 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