Deadline: Unspecified
The Africa-Europe Partnerships for Culture (AEPC) is a flagship cultural cooperation initiative supported by the European Union in collaboration with leading international cultural organisations, including the Goethe-Institut, Institut Français, UNESCO, and EUNIC Global. The programme is designed to strengthen cultural dialogue, co-creation, professional exchange and long-term partnerships between cultural actors in Africa and Europe.
Through targeted grants, capacity-building activities and policy engagement, Africa-Europe Partnerships for Culture (AEPC) aims to foster inclusive cultural ecosystems, amplify diverse narratives and promote sustainable collaboration across both continents.
Programme Objectives
The Africa-Europe Partnerships for Culture programme seeks to:
- Strengthen cross-continental cultural cooperation between Africa and Europe
- Support co-creation and artistic collaboration across diverse cultural disciplines
- Build the capacity and resilience of cultural organisations and practitioners
- Promote visibility, dissemination and policy dialogue in the cultural and creative sectors
- Encourage innovation, inclusivity and mutual understanding through culture
Key Programme Components
1. Grants for Co-Creation and Cultural Collaboration
AEPC provides financial support for joint cultural and artistic projects developed collaboratively by African and European partners. These grants encourage meaningful co-creation and shared ownership of cultural outputs.
Supported disciplines include, but are not limited to:
- Visual and performing arts
- Music and sound arts
- Theatre and dance
- Film, media and digital culture
- Literature and publishing
- Fashion and contemporary design
- Cultural heritage and storytelling
Projects are expected to promote inclusive narratives, innovation and cross-cultural exchange, while addressing contemporary social and cultural themes.
2. Capacity Building and Professional Development
The programme invests in strengthening skills and institutional capacity within the cultural sector through:
- Training programmes and workshops
- Mentorship and peer-learning opportunities
- Professional exchanges and networking
- Support for organisational development and sustainability
These activities are designed to empower cultural actors, enhance professional practice and foster long-term collaboration beyond individual projects.
3. Dissemination, Visibility and Policy Dialogue
AEPC supports the promotion and dissemination of funded cultural works through:
- Exhibitions, festivals and showcases
- Public presentations and cultural events
- Digital platforms and international networks
In addition, the programme contributes to cultural policy dialogue, engaging stakeholders from Africa and Europe to strengthen cultural cooperation frameworks and inform future policy development.
Who Can Apply
The Africa-Europe Partnerships for Culture programme is open to a wide range of cultural stakeholders, including:
- Individual artists and creatives
- Cultural organisations and institutions
- Creative entrepreneurs and collectives
- Heritage professionals and practitioners
- Cultural networks operating across Africa and Europe
Applications must demonstrate strong partnerships between African and European entities, with a clear focus on collaboration, innovation, inclusivity and cultural relevance.
Application Timeline and Selection
AEPC operates through multiple grant calls, each with specific eligibility criteria and deadlines depending on the region and type of support. Applicants are encouraged to carefully review each call to identify the most suitable funding opportunity.
Projects are assessed based on:
- Quality and relevance of the proposed collaboration
- Strength of the Africa-Europe partnership
- Artistic and cultural innovation
- Feasibility and sustainability of the project
- Contribution to cultural dialogue and inclusion
Why Apply to Africa-Europe Partnerships for Culture (AEPC)?
By participating in Africa-Europe Partnerships for Culture (AEPC), cultural actors gain access to:
- International funding opportunities
- Cross-continental creative collaboration
- Capacity-building and professional growth
- Increased visibility for cultural work
- Long-term networks across Africa and Europe
How to Apply and Learn More
Contact us for proposal drafting, refining and review to strengthen your application and improve your chances of success.
