Deadline extended: Sound Connects Fund in Southern Africa

Made possible with funding from the ACP-EU Culture Programme, the fund is aimed at accelerating development in Southern Africa while increasing the capacities of practitioners in the region. The second call for applications is now open and will close on 24 April 2022. 

For the first time, practitioners from Mozambique and Angola (only) can submit applications written in Portuguese.

The Sound Connects Fund is a multifaceted initiative that aims to accelerate development and increase the capacity of the cultural and creative sectors in Southern Africa. It offers financial support in the form of grants and a comprehensive capacity-building programme aimed at beneficiaries.

The supports projects across a wide range of disciplines including, but not limited to, performing arts, visual arts, animation, film, gaming, photography and videography. 

Eligible countries

• Angola
• Botswana
• eSwatini
• Lesotho
• Malawi
• Mozambique
• Namibia
• Zambia 
• Zimbabwe

Theme

Similar to the first call in 2021, applicants will be expected to speak to the theme of Sound Connects Us. Music and sound exist as the universal language that has connected people and communities globally for centuries. It is clear that in Southern Africa’s vibrant cultural sector, sound is a significant force that connects and coexists within a wide range of art forms – in some instances playing a central role in fields such as dance, theatre, video, gaming, film, fashion and related industries.

Eligible projects

The fund ­­­will strategically seek to support projects and activities in the cultural and creative sector that:

• Facilitate the rapid production and distribution of high-quality goods within and outside the Southern African region.
• Increase capacities among professionals.
• Support rapid mobility and exchange among creators.
• Enhance access to new markets.
• Develop visual literacy (especially among underrepresented groups).
• Promote advocacy aimed at protecting the interests of creators.
• Support the existence of sustainable financing structures.

How to apply

Interested organisations are urged to visit the Sound Connects Fund website for more information about the fund and the application process.

If you have any queries about the Sound Connects Fund, read through the FAQs, email scf@musicinafrica.net or call +27 (0)10 140 1317. 

Watch an in-depth information session about how to apply below.

About the Sound Connects Fund

The Sound Connect Fund is an initiative of the Music In Africa Foundation in partnership with Goethe-Institut South Africa and made possible with funding from the ACP-EU Culture Programme – a project implemented by the Secretariat of the African, Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) Group of States and funded by the European Union (EU). The Sound Connects Fund is also co-funded by Goethe-Institut South Africa and Siemens Stiftung.