Deadline: August 13, 2025
Are you a mid-career artist or cultural practitioner working to shape urban environments in Africa? The Prince Claus Fund’s Building Beyond Cycle 5 is now open for applications, offering a unique opportunity to receive a €10,000 grant alongside personalised mentoring and global exposure. This prestigious programme supports innovative creatives who are reimagining public spaces and driving community change through their work.
About Building Beyond Cycle 5
The Prince Claus Fund’s Building Beyond Cycle 5 is a multi-disciplinary programme dedicated to empowering mid-career artists and cultural practitioners from Africa. Designed in collaboration with the Creative Industries Fund NL, the programme brings together professionals who explore how public space, architecture, design, and community intersect.
Now in its fifth cycle, the programme targets individuals with 7–15 years of professional experience in artistic or cultural practice—excluding arts managers and academic researchers. This cycle will support a cohort of approximately nine creatives, facilitating in-depth exchange, mentorship, and collaborative growth over a period of nine months.
What the Programme Offers
Participants of Building Beyond Cycle 5 will benefit from:
- €10,000 grant per participant to develop a body of work within their local context. The funds are flexible, guided by the proposed concept but not strictly tied to it.
- Tailored mentoring from three seasoned Senior Fellows with significant expertise in spatial practices.
- A peer-learning cohort where fellows connect, collaborate, and challenge each other in monthly sessions and public engagements.
- Opportunities to present work, participate in international forums, and build long-term networks.
Who is Eligible?
The programme is open to:
- Mid-career individual artists and cultural practitioners (not collectives) with 7–15 years of active, professional practice.
- Creatives working in disciplines related to space-making, including architecture, urbanism, design, visual arts, and social practice.
- Applicants from eligible African countries such as Nigeria, Kenya, Ghana, Uganda, Egypt, Tanzania, and others (see full list on the Prince Claus Fund website).
- Practitioners who can communicate proficiently in English, the working language of the programme.
Application Deadline and How to Apply
Applications for the Prince Claus Fund’s Building Beyond Cycle 5 close on August 13, 2025, at 17:00 (Amsterdam time).
Required Application Materials:
- Project concept outline (what you hope to explore)
- Portfolio showcasing previous relevant work
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Two references
- A short pitch video presenting your vision
👉 Click here to apply
👉 Read more about the programme here
Why You Should Apply
This opportunity is not just about funding—it’s about joining a dynamic community of like-minded professionals committed to transforming urban life through creative expression. The Prince Claus Fund’s Building Beyond Cycle 5 gives artists the resources, visibility, and mentorship needed to deepen their impact and expand their reach.
If you’re passionate about cultural transformation and urban innovation, this is your chance to engage meaningfully with peers across the continent while shaping your city’s future.
Need Help With Your Application?
For guidance on drafting, refining, or reviewing your proposal, contact grantsdatabase.org — expert support is just a message away.