The European Commission Spaces of Culture 2026 Programme for Sub-Saharan €50,000 Award – Apply Now

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The European Union National Institutes for Culture (EUNIC) has launched the second edition of its Spaces of Culture call for proposals, inviting cultural actors in Sub-Saharan Africa and Europe to apply for grants up to €50,000 per project. The EUNIC Spaces of Culture 2026 call, opened on 1 April 2026, will support seven cultural relations projects based on equal partnership, local ownership, and co-creation between African and European participants.


Application Deadline:

  • 21 June 2026 at 23:59 CAT
  • Partner discussions should begin before 30 April 2026

Tell Me About The Grant:

The EUNIC Spaces of Culture 2026 programme supports cultural projects across Sub-Saharan Africa and is funded by the European Union National Institutes for Culture (EUNIC) under the Africa-Europe Partnerships for Culture initiative. Grants of up to €50,000 per project are available for seven new initiatives designed around equal partnership, local ownership, and co-creation between African and European stakeholders.

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Which Fields are Eligible?

Projects may cover a wide range of cultural and social themes, including:

  • Arts & creative industries
  • Digitalization
  • Education
  • Gender equality
  • Heritage preservation
  • Human rights
  • Social inclusion
  • Sports
  • Sustainability
  • Tourism
  • Youth programming

Type:

  • Cultural Relations Grant | Project Funding (€50,000)

Who can Apply?

Applicants must form a triangular partnership including:

  • At least three local cultural or civil society partners in Sub-Saharan Africa.
  • At least three EUNIC members (or two where no cluster exists).
  • Mandatory involvement of an EU Delegation.

This is not an individual grant — consortium applications only.

How are Projects Selected?

  • Evaluated by an independent jury of four experts (from Africa and Europe).
  • Criteria include:
    • Equal partnership and co-creation.
    • Local ownership and agency.
    • Innovation and contemporary formats.
    • Contribution to Africa-Europe cultural relations.

Which Countries Are Eligible?

  • Sub-Saharan African countries (with European partners via EUNIC).

Where will the Grant be Taken?

  • Projects implemented across Sub-Saharan Africa, in partnership with European stakeholders.

How Many Grants?

  • Seven projects funded in 2026.

What is the Benefit of the Grant?

  • Up to €50,000 per project.
  • Funding for cultural relations activities.
  • Support for innovative, co-created formats.
  • Strengthened Africa-Europe partnerships.
  • Capacity-building and networking opportunities.

How Long Will the Grant Last?

  • Duration depends on project design; typically one funding cycle (2026–2027).

How to Apply:

  1. Begin partner discussions before 30 April 2026.
  2. Form a qualifying consortium (local partners + EUNIC members + EU Delegation).
  3. Develop a project proposal aligned with cultural relations principles.
  4. Submit application via the EUNIC website by 21 June 2026 at 23:59 CAT.
  5. Contact for enquiries:

Visit the Application Webpage for Details

Author

  • Okechukwu Liberty is a Mass Communication graduate and a dedicated content writer for AfterSchoolAfrica. He holds certifications in UK Agent and Counselling, and Ethical Business Practices in International Student Recruitment, equipping him with the expertise to guide students in their academic pursuits abroad.

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