EUNIC Spaces of Culture Programme: A Funding Opportunity for Sub-Saharan Africa
The EUNIC Spaces of Culture Programme is offering a significant funding opportunity for cultural relations projects across Sub-Saharan Africa. This initiative, part of the EU-funded Africa-Europe Partnerships for Culture, aims to support innovative and collaborative projects that foster dialogue, co-creation, and mutual learning between Africa and Europe. With up to EUR 50,000 available per project, the programme encourages local ownership and aims to build lasting partnerships.
Understanding the Spaces of Culture Programme
The Spaces of Culture funding scheme is designed to support a wide array of cultural relations projects. These can span various fields, including arts, creative industries, digitalization, education, gender equality, heritage preservation, human rights, social inclusion, sports, sustainability, tourism, and youth engagement. Whether the goal is to organize networking events, festivals, performances, exhibitions, artist residencies, or to establish new networks for cultural infrastructure development, this programme provides a platform for impactful cultural initiatives.
Key Focus Areas for Project Success
Projects funded by the Spaces of Culture programme are expected to demonstrate a strong commitment to several core principles. These include promoting dialogue, co-creation, and mutual learning between partners. Emphasis is placed on establishing fair and equal partnerships between African and European entities, ensuring local relevance and ownership of the projects. Furthermore, the programme seeks to support initiatives that have a positive social impact and foster long-term collaboration beyond the project’s duration.
A successfully implemented project will be one that is co-developed and co-implemented by all involved partners. It should address topics that are relevant to the local context and urgent needs of the community. Innovation within the local setting is also a key consideration, as is the development of strong partnerships that are built to last.
Eligibility and Partnership Requirements
The call for applications is open to projects that will take place in countries within Sub-Saharan Africa. A critical requirement for all proposals is the formation of a triangular partnership. This partnership must include at least three key local cultural and/or civil society organizations. Additionally, it needs the involvement of at least three full EUNIC (European Union National Institutes for Culture) members, or two if a EUNIC cluster is not present in the region. The involvement of an EU Delegation is also a necessary component of the partnership structure.
Budget and Project Timeline
The Spaces of Culture programme offers substantial financial support, with up to EUR 50,000 available for each selected project. However, project partners are required to provide a minimum of 5% co-funding. This contribution demonstrates the commitment of the local partners to the project’s success.
The project timeline is set to allow for thorough development and implementation. Projects are expected to be carried out between September 1, 2026, and August 31, 2027. Organizations are encouraged to begin engaging with potential partners on their project concepts well in advance of the application deadline. This early engagement, ideally before April 30, 2026, allows ample time for developing the project collaboratively, exchanging initial ideas, and ensuring all partners are aligned with the project’s aims and objectives. The final application deadline for proposals is June 21, 2026, at 23:59 CAT. All project proposals must be jointly defined and co-developed by all participating partners.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the EUNIC Spaces of Culture Programme?
It’s a funding initiative for cultural relations projects in Sub-Saharan Africa, aiming to support collaboration between Africa and Europe.
How much funding is available per project?
Projects can receive up to EUR 50,000, with partners needing to contribute at least 5% co-funding.
Who is eligible to apply for this funding?
Projects must take place in Sub-Saharan Africa and involve a triangular partnership including local cultural organizations, EUNIC members, and an EU Delegation.
When do projects need to take place and what are the deadlines?
Projects run from September 1, 2026, to August 31, 2027. The application deadline is June 21, 2026.
