Connect and Create # Professional Mobility

About the Open Call

This call for proposals is dedicated to international organizations and events (festivals, professional gatherings, markets, fairs, conventions, etc.), both in sub-Saharan Africa and in the European Union, that host delegations of professionals (excluding artists) from the two continents. The Connect and Create programme is an initiative implemented by the Goethe-Institut and Expertise France, in collaboration with the Institut français and with the support of the European Union. It seeks to foster collaboration, exchange, and circulation, both within the African continent and between Sub-Saharan Africa and European Union countries. Particular attention is given to the active involvement of young people and the promotion of cultural diversity. Connect and Create is the sub-Saharan Africa component of the Africa-Europe Partnerships for Culture programme. Connect and Create # Professional Mobility supports the mobility of performing arts and music professionals from sub-Saharan Africa and the European Union. These mobilities take the form of integrated programmes within international events or major cultural gatherings. Objectives: Selected projects should foster: • the discovery of local and international artistic scenes • training activities and mutual learning • experience-sharing and professional networking. Composition of delegations: Delegations must include at least 8 cultural professionals, aged over 18, from one of the 48 sub-Saharan African, countries or one of the 27 EU countries. Delegations must demonstrate a strong international dimension: • with at least 5 different nationalities for delegations of 8 to 10 professionals • with at least 8 different nationalities for delegations of more than 10 professionals. Eligible profiles: Delegations may include, among others: • event organizers • programmers, producers, and agents • network managers • representatives of companies and festivals, • technical, communications, and public relations managers. Eligible events: Mobility programmes may be integrated into: • festivals, biennials, and major international events • fairs, markets, and conventions • summits, seminars, symposiums, and workshops. Supported mobility: To Europe: support will apply exclusively to African professionals. To sub-Saharan Africa: support may apply to both African and European professionals. Priority will be given to projects that: • innovative projects that build lasting collaborations, strengthen creative ecosystems, and boost the growth of the creative economy • Highlight young generations, emerging artistic scenes, and new contemporary creative practices • Integrate eco-responsible approaches in their implementation • Actively address issues of inclusion (gender, disability, etc.). The deadline for applications 1/2 is November 30th 2025 (23h59 CET) and for applications 2/2 is June 30th 2026 (23h59 CET). Selection committee 1/2 is January 2026. Announcement of selected projects 1/2 is February 2026.

What is Offered

Support for professional mobility in performing arts and music, including funding for travel, accommodation, training activities, mutual learning, experience-sharing, and professional networking.

Requirements

Delegations must include at least 8 cultural professionals, aged over 18, from one of the 48 sub-Saharan African countries or one of the 27 EU countries. Delegations must demonstrate a strong international dimension: with at least 5 different nationalities for delegations of 8 to 10 professionals; with at least 8 different nationalities for delegations of more than 10 professionals.

How to Apply

Applicants are invited to download the regulations governing grants awarded by Expertise France, as well as the preliminary documents available below. Apply via the link: https://ifprog.emundus.fr/en/login?course=mobcolae&cid=311&Itemid=2700