Call for applications: COVID-19 fund for sub-Saharan Africa

Against the backdrop of the COVID-19 pandemic, the fund looks to enable a ‘breathing space’ for artists, organisations and networks across the subcontinent by enabling opportunities to experiment with new possibilities and formats for artistic production, exchange, collaboration, presentation and reception.

 "We confront with renewed sharpness the question of the relevance of our central task of international exchange and collaboration in the arts during a time in which many artists on the continent are seeing their livelihoods unravelling, and in which many organisations and businesses are facing collapse," Pro Helvetia Johannesburg said. "While physical mobility has been massively curtailed during this period, we have found ourselves mining more deeply the creative possibilities that inhere in the digital, not only for bridging physical distance but also as a medium for the creation and reception of artistic work.”

Who can apply?

Artists, organisations and networks actively involved in the professional arts field in sub-Saharan Africa. Note that North African artists can apply for Pro Helvetia Cairo's Parallel Sphere funding until 12 July.

Project eligibility

Pro Helvetia Johannesburg accepts project proposals that:

• Propose entirely new ideas and initiatives or extend and amplify existing projects that engage with the changing circumstances of the arts landscape.
• Involve the exploration of new formats and approaches or use this moment of global rupture to engage more deeply with or interrogate older methods and practices and archives – or indeed to do both.
• Both analogue and digital approaches are welcome.
• It is not expected that proposals should address COVID–19 at the level of theme or content.

Pro Helvetia Johannesburg accepts project proposals in the following categories:

• Music.
• Performing arts.
• Visual arts.
• Literature.
• Design.
• Interactive media.
• Interdisciplinary work.

Selection criteria will focus on clarity of purpose, originality of concept, methods and artistic relevance, as well as the applicants track record and professionalism.

Applicants should note:

• While a connection to the Swiss art scene is welcome, it is not a requirement of this call.
• The project should be completed and reported on by the end of April 2021.
• Requests should be between 2 000 and 10 000 Swiss francs ($2 100 to $10 600).
• Pro Helvetia Johannesburg does not support general salaries and running costs of organisations and institutions, beyond a reasonable project administrative fee.

Application requirements

• A concept note summarising the dimensions of the project (4 000 words max).
• An indicative timeline and budget.
• Please use the applicant budget template, which can be downloaded here. If your application is successful, this template can also be used for reporting.
• Information on the applicant and any other individual or organisational partners involved.
• If relevant, the applicant should indicate how local COVID-19-related public health and safety measures will be applied.

The application deadline is 31 August 2020.

How to apply

First-time applicants should create a Pro Helvetia account here before accessing the application form here. 

For more information, send an email to johannesburg@prohelvetia.org.za.

View the original call here.