Africa EUNIC Spaces of Culture  2026

EUNIC has launched the second Spaces of Culture call for proposals, supporting new cultural relations projects in Sub‑Saharan Africa. This funding scheme is part of the Africa‑Europe Partnerships for Culture programme, funded by the European Union. Selected projects can receive up to €50,000 and must be implemented between September 2026 and August 2027.

If you are a cultural organisation, civil society group, or creative professional looking to collaborate on an equal footing with European partners, this is your opportunity to foster dialogue, co‑creation, and mutual learning across continents. For students and professionals exploring other funded opportunities in Africa, you can browse fully funded scholarships in South Africa  to discover additional programmes that support study and research on the continent.

About the Spaces of Culture Call

Spaces of Culture supports contemporary and innovative projects in a wide range of areas, including the arts, creative industries, digitalisation, education, gender, heritage, human rights, social inclusion, sports, sustainability, tourism, and youth. Projects should reflect the principles of cultural relations, including co‑creation, dialogue, mutual listening, and joint capacity building among all partners. The programme fosters cooperation on an equal footing between African and European artists, creators, and cultural professionals, strengthening cultural exchange and cross‑border collaboration.

• Funding amount: Up to €50,000 per project

• Co‑funding requirement: Minimum 5% from project partners

• Project timeline: 1 September 2026 – 31 August 2027

• Region: Sub‑Saharan Africa

• Application deadline: 21 June 2026 (23:59 CAT)

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Who Can Apply

Projects must be co‑developed and implemented by a triangular partnership. Partnerships must include:

• At least three key local cultural and/or civil society partners (based in Sub‑Saharan Africa)

• At least three full EUNIC members (or two where no EUNIC cluster is present)

• Involvement of an EU Delegation

This structure ensures that projects are truly collaborative, with shared ownership and decision‑making among African and European partners.

Eligible Regions and Themes

The call is open to projects taking place in countries in Sub‑Saharan Africa. Supported themes include:

• Arts and creative industries

• Digitalisation and technology

• Education and youth

• Gender equality and human rights

• Heritage and cultural preservation

• Social inclusion and community development

• Sports and recreation

• Sustainability and climate action

• Tourism and economic development

Projects should have a strong focus on dialogue, co‑creation, mutual learning, fair and equal partnerships, local ownership and relevance, social impact, and long‑term collaboration beyond the project duration.

Budget and Funding

Each selected project can receive up to €50,000 from the Spaces of Culture fund. A minimum of 5% co‑funding is required from project partners – this can be in cash or in‑kind contributions (staff time, venue space, materials, etc.). The budget must be submitted in Euros using the provided template.

Important Deadlines

The call launched on 30 March 2026. Organisations should engage with each other on the concept and partnership before 30 April 2026 to allow enough time to develop the project together, exchange initial ideas, and ensure all partners are aligned. Information webinars will be held from April through June 2026. The final application deadline is 21 June 2026 at 23:59 CAT. Evaluation and selection take place in mid‑July 2026, followed by contracting in July and August. Project implementation starts on 1 September 2026.

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How to Build a Project Proposal

Before submitting a full application, EUNIC recommends the following steps:

Step 1: Review the Call for Proposals document and the Guidance Pack available on the official website.

Step 2: Identify potential partners – use the list of EUNIC members present in Sub‑Saharan Africa and reach out to local cultural or civil society organisations.

Step 3: Share a one‑page concept idea with your partners before 30 April 2026. This allows time for joint development and alignment.

Step 4: Attend information webinars (April–June 2026) for additional support and guidance.

Step 5: Review examples of previous projects and frequently asked questions to refine your proposal.

How to Submit a Project Proposal

Concept notes must be submitted to the partners you are working with before submitting a full application. Once partners are aligned, follow these steps:

Step 1: Download the application documents from the official Spaces of Culture website. (Save the files locally before working on them.)

Step 2: Complete the application form, estimated budget (in EUR), and collect support letters from all partners.

Step 3: Ensure your application is in English. Proposals will be judged on content only – not on grammar or language accuracy.

Step 4: Submit your complete application by email to spacesofculture@eunicglobal.eu before 21 June 2026 at 23:59 CAT.

Step 5: You will receive confirmation when your application has been received.

Evaluation and Selection

An independent jury of cultural relations experts from Sub‑Saharan Africa and Europe will collectively evaluate proposals against the call's selection criteria. All applications will be evaluated based on objectives, target groups, and proposed activities – see the call document for full details.

Why Choose the Spaces of Culture Call

This funding opportunity offers several compelling advantages:

• Substantial funding – up to €50,000 per project

• Equal partnership model – African and European organisations collaborate on a level playing field

• Wide thematic range – from arts and heritage to digitalisation and sustainability

• Social impact focus – projects should benefit local communities and foster long‑term collaboration

• EU backing – part of the Africa‑Europe Partnerships for Culture programme

Final Thoughts

The Spaces of Culture 2026 call for proposals is a remarkable opportunity for cultural organisations, civil society groups, and creative professionals in Sub‑Saharan Africa to partner with European counterparts and bring innovative projects to life. With up to €50,000 in funding and a focus on co‑creation, dialogue, and mutual learning, this programme supports projects that build lasting bridges between Africa and Europe.

The deadline to share one‑page concept ideas with partners is 30 April 2026, and full applications are due by 21 June 2026. Start building your triangular partnership today, attend the information webinars, and submit a proposal that makes a meaningful social impact.

Apply Now for Spaces of Culture