Call for applications: MIAConnects Regional Mobility Programme

This regional mobility call is part of the broader Music In Africa Connects (MIAConnects) Artist Mobility Programme, which in 2017 supported more than 100 artists from countries affected by conflict to tour locally.

The value of the Regional Mobility Programme is that music festivals are now benefiting from the programme together with the artists, a development that will strengthen the live music scene on the continent.

MIAConnects is made possible with support from the Siemens Stiftung and the German Federal Foreign Office.

Please note that this call is for festivals that take place on the African continent only. The deadline for applications is 22 March 2018 (midnight CAT).

Who can submit an application?

• This opportunity is open to music festivals based and operating on the African continent.
• The host festival must take place between 1 May and 22 December 2018.
• The applicant must be the registered company or organisation directly responsible for the organisation of the festival.
• The music festival must be able to attract a considerable audience, beneficial to the invited artist(s).
• Only festivals featuring a series of performances by various musicians and bands will be considered.
• First-time festivals and other event formats are welcome to apply provided they meet the criteria.

Requirements and mandatory documents

• Budgets submitted must adhere to stipulations as indicated in the call.
• The applicant (festival) must have a valid bank account.
• Proof will be required with regards to the festival’s ability to cover the costs of the invited music performance (refer below for costs to be covered by the festival) and to implement the festival as detailed in the application.
• Confirmation of donors, sponsors and other financial support will have to be provided within the application form.
• Festivals taking place in what is considered high-risk areas need to outline safety and security measures that will be taken towards the safety of the invited artist or band.
• The applicant will be directly responsible for the preparation and management of the project (and not an intermediary).
• The festival (the applicant) should appoint one person from the company or organisation who will be responsible for submitting the application, managing and reporting how the support has been utilised and will be the sole contact person if the application is successful.
• An applicant may submit only one application under this call.
• The requested amount may not exceed €5 000.
• Registration documents for companies that are legally responsible for the implementation of the festival.
• Legal identification documentation: Applicant's ID/passport copy.
• Budget: download budget template HERE and complete budget for the invited music performance (projected expenditure, in euros (€), according to the stipulations provided in this call).
• Festival's 2018 programme (drafts accepted).
• Letter from the invited artist or band representative confirming availability and approving the project.

Additional attachments such as press coverage, web links, pictures and videos, etc. will be accepted as attachments to the application, but are not mandatory.

Which artists can you invite?

• Artists from the following eligible countries: Sudan, South Sudan, Somalia, Nigeria (Northern), Chad, Mali and Niger.
• The music performance must take place outside the country where the invited artist, band or music project is based.
• Applicants may consider various categories of performers including, but not limited to, bands, solo artists, DJs (who include live performances), choirs etc. Please take note of the non-eligible performances detailed below when doing so.
• Artistic collaboration components between musicians that lead to live music performances are welcome.
• Preference is given to outstanding artists who are ready for the international stage and whose career will benefit from being exposed to new audiences at your event.
• All participants must be over 18 years old.

Additional Advantageous Criteria (not mandatory)

• Applications that include more than one performance opportunity to the invited artist(s) will be an advantage. Additional opportunities may be connections for artists to perform at other festivals, within or outside the festival’s country, to extend their tour, collaborate with other artists, etc.
• In addition, the music festival must preferably be able to support the artist or band with exposure such as interviews and social media marketing.
• Preference will be given to artists with limited opportunities to tour outside their country.

Non-eligible music performances/applications

• Music performances supporting political parties or religious faith.
• Fundraising events, such as charity galas.
• Applications that do not fulfil the criteria.
• Incomplete applications.

Type of support

Financial Support

Applicants may request up to €5 000.

Eligible costs that may be included in the requested amount:

• Visa costs: Budget limit – €200.
• Travel and transportation costs (including airport transfers and local ground transport): Budget limit – €3 000.
• Daily meal allowance (per diem): Budget limit – max €25 per day per person and total budget must not exceed €600.
• Accommodation: Budget Limit – max €50 per day per person and total budget must not exceed €1 200.

Budget stipulation notes

• All budget limits mentioned above need to be strictly adhered to;
• It is mandatory that you use the provided budget template. Click HERE to download the file (the link is also provided in the application form).

Please note that only one non-band member included in the travelling parties can be covered (manager or sound engineer).

Non-eligible costs (to be covered by the festival)

The purpose of the support is to make the mobility of the artist possible. As such, the festival will be responsible for the production and all other cost, e.g. technical support: stage, sound, lighting equipment etc.

• Performance fees (this fee is mandatory).
• Hospitality requirements.
• Technical costs.
• Publicity and marketing.
• General running costs and overheads of the festival (organisation/company).
• Costs that are already covered by other funding.

Administrative support

• Administrative support via email is offered during the application process. Email claire@musicinafrica.net.

• Additional administrative support will also be offered to successful applicants during the contracted project period.

How to apply

• Read the call for applications carefully.
• Create (if you haven’t already) a profile for your festival on the Music In Africa Artist & Industry section using this link: www.musicinafrica.net/user/register. Make sure that your profile is up to date, as this is the profile that the selection committee will review. Additional content like pictures and social media links will be advantageous.

Please note: you may find your profile already created by a Music In Africa contributor. In that case, you would need to follow the online steps to claim it. Once you have control of your profile, make sure to update the information.

• Make sure you have all the required documents.
• Complete and submit the online application form (the link is provided at the end of this call). Two application forms are provided – in French and English. Email applications will not be considered.
• The form will not allow applicants to save and complete later. Before you complete it, make sure you have all the required documents that will need to be attached. Required documents are clearly noted within this call for applications.

Selection process

• The deadline for applications is 22 March 2018 (midnight CAT).
• Successful applicants will be notified by 10 April 2018.
• Unsuccessful applicants will not be notified.
• Only complete applications will be considered.
• Only applications submitted via the dedicated online form will be considered.
• Late applications will not be considered.

Note that a copy of your application form will automatically be sent to you by email. For transparency purposes, all beneficiary names will be published on www.musicinafrica.net within 30 days after they have been selected.

Application forms

You can apply in French or English.

• Access the ENGLISH application form HERE.
• Access the FRENCH application form HERE.

For enquiries and information, email claire@musicinafrica.net

For more information about the Music In Africa Connects project, please visit our website.

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