Call for applications: Digital Lab Africa Acceleration and Bootcamp programmes

How to apply

Interested applicants can apply for the acceleration and bootcamp programmes here before 28 February. Applicants for the Acceleration and Bootcamp programmes will be informed about outcomes in April and May, respectively.

Acceleration

The Acceleration programme is designed for individuals and companies with existing projects that they would like to accelerate and which show that they have delivered work at a high level. Art forms for this application include video games, animation and XR – immersive realities (AR or VR).

The acceleration programme will provide two projects per art form (six in total) with:

• Masterclasses.
• Peer mentoring.
• Art form advisors.
• Pitch readiness.

One project per art form will receive a pitch development plan comprising:

• Supporting production.
• Guiding mentor.
• Residency and showcase.

Six projects will be selected and announced in April, after which masterclasses and mentoring will take place between March and October 2022. The projects will then pitch at the Fak'ugesi Festival. The three selected pitches will have the opportunity to develop their project and participate in residencies and showcasing events in France in 2023.

Bootcamp

This is intended for 50 young creatives working in digital artmaking across Africa wanting to share their work with each other and to connect with leading minds across the continent. Art forms for this slot include music, video games, animation, XR – immersive realities (AR or VR) and visual art.

Prior to the bootcamp, 10 selected creatives per art form will meet with their peer mentor to jointly develop their Bootcamp programme over three sessions where they will share their work and collectively create their dream bootcamp, selecting activities and speakers. The creatives can pitch their project to the collective for a chance to receive development funding.

The 50 selected creatives will be notified in May and will participate in three peer sessions in their art form groups from May to July 2022. The bootcamp will take place before the Fak'ugesi Festival where creatives will have the option to pitch their project for production funding. Funded projects will be showcased at the Fak'ugesi Festival the following year and will automatically join the DLA 2023 Acceleration shortlist.

Who can apply?

Creatives from all African countries are eligible to apply. Applicants must be residents in their country in order to apply (individuals who live outside of Africa may not apply).

• Acceleration: Applicants must apply with a relevant project proposal and should have at least two years of creative experience.
• Bootcamp: Early-stage creatives in any of the five art forms may apply.

How are participants selected?

Applicants will be screened according to eligibility criteria. They will be shortlisted by the project manager and peer mentors. All reviewers will need to sign confidentiality and conflict of interest forms.

• Acceleration: Selection of the six participants will be made by a jury of experts in the relevant art forms.
• Bootcamp: Selection of the 50 participants will be done by peer mentors from each art form.

Project examples

• Acceleration: Applicants should share with the jury the project they would like to develop during the Acceleration through demos, trailers, videos and descriptive texts.
• Bootcamp: Applicants should share current creative works through a portfolio or work samples.

View the original call here.