Call for proposals: Culture Fund grants for creatives in Zimbabwe

CreativeACTIONs grants will be awarded to new and innovative projects from artists, cultural practitioners, institutions and private operators involved in the creative industry. It  seeks to strengthen capacities for Zimbabwean artists, cultural practitioners and institutions, creative civil society organisations, private operators involved in the creative industries, arts associations, professional networks, and arts education institutions.

Under the programme, only project proposals containing activities that fully comply with COVID-19 guidelines and demonstrate adaptability to the different stages of the lockdown measures by the Zimbabwean government will be considered.

Eligibility

• Zimbabwean nationals and permanent residents of Zimbabwe with proof of residence.
• Artists, cultural and creative actors.
• Apex bodies and consortia in the creative sector.
• Arts associations and professional networks.
• Arts education institutions.
• Schools, colleges, vocational training institutions and universities, community-based organisations (CBOs).
• Trusts.
• Non-governmental organisations.
• Other non-state actors or not-for-profit institutions.

The types of activities that are eligible for financial support include:

• Social media projects based with a clear demonstration of responding to the call’s objectives.
• Project activities that can be executed within digital spaces; supporting youth to enhance digital media and ICT use for driving music, comedy and other visual and audio artistic products as genres of creative society.
• Projects that promote Zimbabwe abroad.
• Projects that promote artists within Zimbabwe.
• Mobility of creatives and projects activities that aim to export cultural goods and services out of Zimbabwe and within Zimbabwe.
• Training, mentoring, accompaniment of creative CSOs.
• Capacity building of artists and cultural practitioners in areas in the creative industry value chain such as professionalism, communication and marketing, leadership, entrepreneurship, sustainable natural resource use, resource mobilisation and other technical skills to nurture their talent.
• Information- and knowledge-sharing platforms among creative CSOs.
• Engagement and interactive dialogue with sector authorities and development partners.
• Support creative industries led by youth and women to improve livelihoods.
• Development or scaling up of innovative arts and cultural actions.
• Festivals, community theatre and actions that enhance diversity and promote indigenous groups and talent. 
• Support artistic media production and dissemination (drama, audiovisual and music) to raise awareness about peace, gender equality and tolerance.
• Support and promote the revitalisation of positive traditional practices that reinforce unity, shared identity and mutual respect.

How to apply?

The project is divided into two phases, namely Lot 1 and Lot 2. Lot 1 is intended for projects requiring a minimum amount of $6 000 and a maximum amount of $50 000, while Lot 2 is for projects that require a minimum amount of $500 and a maximum amount of $5 000.

Application forms for Lot 1 and Lot 2 can be downloaded here and here.

The forms can also be accessed upon request via email at info@culturefund.co.zw.

Applicants are required to provide:

• Clear objectives, current status of the project to justify support.
• A clear plan of how the project complies with COVID-19 regulations and guidelines in Zimbabwe.
• A clear outline of activities carried out within a maximum period of eight months.
• Proof of registration or legal status for organisations, groups and associations.
• Recommendation letters and/or other supporting material for review.
• Clear budget that merges well with their tentative work plan.

All the application forms should be sent via email to info@culturefund.co.zw.

The deadline for submission of proposals is 11 March at 5pm (CAT).

View the original call here.