Call for applications: Music In Africa Live capacity-building grants

Covering all African countries, the aim of MIAL is to offer financial support to operators, to enable them to create high-quality works and promote, market and showcase their content to a wider global audience, primarily via digital means, and to facilitate the creation and dissemination of educational content with a view to upskill and enable professionals to adjust and adopt to the needs of the changing music industry.

Thousands of African musicians have been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, which has occasioned unprecedented lockdowns and restrictions across the continent. African musicians and professionals traditionally make a living from live performances, and now they find themselves in extreme difficulty.  While social media platforms offer alternative avenues for operators to broadcast their works seamlessly, many musicians are struggling to make ends meet.

Music In Africa Live will seek to enable musicians to earn income from digital live performances while also supporting capacity-building projects that develop critical skills among professionals using digital means.

Applications are open for two categories of grants:

1. Showcase grants

The showcase grants support the production of high-quality digital live concerts with African musicians, with an emphasis on professional productions that offer real exposure, potential export opportunities and more opportunities for the participants.

2. Capacity-building grants  

The capacity-building grants are open to digitally deliver initiatives that develop relevant critical skills for music professionals to navigate new challenges and the transformations of the industry, especially those introduced by the pandemic. 

NOTE: This call is for capacity-building grants ONLY. For the call related to showcase grants, click HERE. 

Projects applied for must start from 15 October 2020 onwards and must be completed by 15 December 2020.

The deadline for applications for all grants is 26 September 2020 (23.59pm CAT). 

Who can apply?

This opportunity is open to companies or organisations that are able to implement capacity-building programmes focused on developing critical music industry skills and knowledge among beneficiaries, especially on topics that will help the beneficiaries to navigate new challenges occasioned by the pandemic. Although projects that include physical engagement can be supported, the primary goal should be to reach a digital audience.

• The applicant must be based in Africa.
• Applicants and all participants in the project must be over 18 years old.
• The applicant (company/organisation) must have official proof of its legal existence. 
• The applicant must have a valid bank account.
• Applicants must have been in existence for at least three (3) years.
• Applicants must be able to show proof of their ability to implement capacity-building projects.
• An applicant may submit only one application under this call.

Eligible projects

• Projects applied for must take place in Africa.
• Projects must start from 15 October 2020 onwards and must be completed by 15 December 2020.
• All capacity-building programmes applied for must offer a realistic and sound implementation plan.
• Activities proposed are produced primarily for a digital audience. This means that the applicant is able to broadcast the capacity-building activity live to a digital audience or repackage the recording for digital broadcast on a later date within a week of the recording, and no later than 15 December 2020.
• Proposed capacity-building areas may include (but are not limited to): music production, artist management, international development, new media, digital distribution, contract negotiation, booking, and tour management.
• Professional execution of all aspects of the production, especially with regards to sound and lighting.
• List of trainers and key persons in the delivery of the capacity-building programme will be required, as well as proof of acceptance (e.g. letter or email).
• The applicant should demonstrate ability to promote the project to a wider audience.
• All recordings must be done and broadcast in HD or other superior formats.
• In light of COVID-19, all activities must be implemented in a manner that is compliant with safety protocols.

Eligible projects may include (but are not limited to): webinars, training workshops, masterclasses, apps, tutorials, etc.

Non-eligible events or projects

• Recording of albums.
• Academic research projects.
• Scholarships and fellowships for studies or training courses.
• Fundraising events, such as charity galas.
• Projects supporting political parties or religious faith.

Support from Music In Africa Live

Capacity building grants: €7 000

Eligible costs

While there are no prescribed budget percentages to follow, applicants should submit realistic budgets that demonstrate realistic costs and an understanding of the proposed activity.

Costs that may be included are:

1. Production costs

• Venue rental and sound engineering.
• Sound equipment and backline rental
• Professional filming
• Stage lighting and engineering
• Crew costs.
• Post-production and editing of produced content.

2. Trainer costs/content creation/facilitation

This relates to fees for trainers and facilitators and for developing aspects of the proposed capacity building  activity.

3. Marketing

Eligible costs for the promotion of the production to a wider audience, using provided guidelines.

4. Project management costs (8%)

This contributes towards the recipient’s costs for grant management and reporting, printing, Internet and telephone.

5. HR support (10%)

This is a contribution towards the eligible costs of staff implementing the project.

All costs not listed above shall be treated as being non-eligible.

How to apply?  

• Read this call for applications carefully.
• Complete and submit the online application form in ENGLISH or FRENCH. Email applications will not be considered.

NOTE: The form will not allow applicants to save and complete later. Before you complete it, make sure you have all the required information ready.

Mandatory documents required for submission with your application 

• Company/organisation registration document (a constitution or similar founding document is acceptable for new organisations that are not yet registered).
• Detailed project description and implementation plan.
• Budget (in euros). Submitted budget must adhere to the guidelines stipulated in this call.
• Proof of acceptance from trainers and facilitators involved in the activity (e.g. letter or email).

Selection process

Application deadline: 26 September 2020 (23.59pm CAT).

• Eligible applications will be reviewed by the Music in Africa Live jury.
• Successful applicants only will be notified by 6 October 2020.
• Only complete applications will be considered.
• Only applications submitted via the dedicated online form will be considered.
• Late applications will not be considered.

Application forms

You can apply in French or in English.

Access the ENGLISH application form HERE.

Access the FRENCH application form HERE.

For enquiries and information, email claire@musicinafrica.net.

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