Open Call for Projects

About the Open Call

Halaqat, which is the Arabic term for ‘multiple links and circles’, provides a space for cultural actors from Arab and European countries to artistically reflect on topics of care, exploring them through a gender lens. Launched in 2021, the project fosters exchange between Europe and Arab countries and is, in its second phase from 2024 to 2027, supporting the cultural scenes especially in Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon and Morocco. In this phase Halaqat explores the notion of ‘care’, a concept which is deeply related to gender topics in both regions and tackles the question of gender equity and sensitivity and the power dynamics in an inclusive and intersectional way. The project raises questions to engage in a conversation with artists, cultural practitioners and the audience about care both on a structural and artistic level: How can different notions of care be addressed and expressed? How do dominant narratives influence which bodies are cared about (and which not) and how can these narratives be challenged? How can we strengthen practices of care in the cultural scene and in the society at large? Halaqat launches its final Open Call for Projects, inviting artists, collectives, and cultural organisations based in Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon, Morocco, and Belgium to submit proposals for projects that engage with the themes of care and gender. Through this call, Halaqat seeks to support innovative artistic and cultural practices that reflect on how care can be reimagined and practiced across different contexts. The selected projects will be developed and implemented between January and November 2026.

What is Offered

Small-scale grants up to €2,500 and medium-scale grants up to €9,800. Selected projects will benefit from financial support, mentoring and capacity building, and opportunities for visibility and peer exchange within the Halaqat framework. Tailored mentoring and opportunities for regional and international exchange are also provided.

Requirements

Applicants must be 18 years or older, applying as an individual or a representative of an entity (collective, platform, organization, institution), based and active in Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon, Morocco, or Belgium. Projects must take place in one of these countries between January–November 2026. Applicants must have completed at least two relevant projects and their project must clearly engage with care and gender in artistic, cultural, or community-based ways. Applicants must be open to mentoring, knowledge exchange, and public engagement.

How to Apply

Applications are to be submitted exclusively through the Goethe Application Portal (https://portal.gap.goethe.de/en-US/). For detailed guidelines, criteria, and application materials, applicants must read the Open call PDF linked on the page.