Open call: Cultural grants for heritage organisations in Southern Africa

The call aims to select at least eight organisations to lead so-called “Narrative Clusters”, collaborative frameworks in which heritage organisations work with interdisciplinary artists and creatives to develop new narratives around tangible and intangible cultural heritage. Selected organisations will be eligible for grants of up to €55 000 to manage these clusters, support co-productions and present the resulting work to local audiences over a 15-month period.

Focus on heritage narratives

Within the framework of the project, a heritage narrative is understood as a story that brings heritage sites or practices to life and enables communities and wider audiences to relate to them. These narratives are actively created and are intended to connect historical heritage with contemporary issues and future perspectives. They may relate to tangible heritage, such as monuments, artefacts or landscapes, or intangible heritage, including traditions, languages, rituals, music and crafts.

The overall objective of the call is to increase public visibility and understanding of selected heritage narratives and their contemporary relevance in Southern Africa and beyond. The project also seeks to strengthen the capacity of heritage organisations in cultural production, audience engagement and regional and international cooperation.

Narrative clusters and activities

Each selected organisation will lead a Narrative Cluster comprising approximately nine artists or creatives drawn from at least three of the six participating countries. Over a six-month collaboration period, these clusters will develop interdisciplinary co-productions such as performances, exhibitions, installations, films or digital works.

Eligible activities include developing a dedicated call for artists in collaboration with the Goethe-Institut, coordinating cluster activities, hosting a two-week narrative development retreat and joint working sessions, supporting the production of artistic works, and organising multi-day local presentation events. Organisations are also expected to implement outreach activities that engage local communities, including youth and source communities.

Projects are required to integrate cross-cutting principles, including gender equality, inclusion of persons with disabilities and environmentally sustainable practices.

Eligibility and selection

Applicants must be legally registered non-profit, non-governmental organisations operating in one of the six project countries for at least two years, with a demonstrated track record in managing or representing tangible or intangible heritage. Preference will be given to organisations connected to lesser-known heritage sites or practices, particularly those outside major urban centres.

Applications will be assessed by an independent jury based on criteria including thematic relevance, organisational capacity, access to suitable working facilities, motivation for interdisciplinary collaboration and the quality of proposed outreach activities. Consideration will also be given to geographical balance, gender equality, inclusion and environmental sustainability. Organisations based in eSwatini, Lesotho and Botswana will be prioritised due to limited representation in the previous selection round.

Funding and application process

At least eight grants of up to €55 000 will be awarded. Funding will be disbursed in instalments, subject to milestone-based progress and financial review. Eligible costs include staff costs, event organisation, co-production expenses, outreach activities and costs related to accessibility and sustainability. Certain costs, such as debt repayment, purchase of land or buildings, alcohol, and artists’ travel and accommodation, are excluded.

Applications must be submitted via the Goethe Application Portal. The call opens on 5 January 2026, with a submission deadline of 13 February 2026. Enquiries must be submitted by 6 February 2026. Selected organisations will be notified in early March 2026, and project activities are expected to begin on 16 March 2026.

Further information, including application guidelines and FAQs, is available on the Goethe-Institut website. Queries can be directed to the Goethe-Institut Johannesburg at [email protected].

The original call document is available for download below.