MIAConnects deadline extended – apply now for mobility support

The Music In Africa Foundation (MIAF) is pleased to invite musicians to apply for touring support as part of its recently launched Music In Africa Connects – Artist Mobility Programme. The mobility programme is made possible with support from the Siemens Foundation and the German Federal Foreign Office.

The programme supports musicians in seven African countries affected by conflict, to undertake live music performances (tours) and collaborations, provided that such activities do not compromise the safety of the participants. Participating countries are Sudan, South Sudan, Somalia, Nigeria (Northern), Chad, Mali and Niger.

The mobility programme offers support for three types of tours:

• National (where musicians tour locally in their own countries).
• Regionally (across Africa).
• Internationally (Germany).

This call is for NATIONAL TOURS only.

The deadline for applications has been extended to 10 September 2017 (midnight CAT).

1. Eligibility criteria

This opportunity is open to all musicians from the participating countries such as solo musicians, bands etc. (the beneficiary).

• The participating countries for this call are Sudan, South Sudan, Somalia, Nigeria (Northern), Chad, Mali and Niger;
• The bulk of the activities must take place outside the city/location where the artist or band is based and must not go beyond the country;
• Touring projects applied for must start from 15 October 2017 onwards and must be completed by 15 December 2017;
• Budgets submitted must adhere to stipulations as indicated in the call;
• The artist or band must have a valid bank account;
• The artist or band must be based in the eligible countries listed above.
• All activities must avoid high-risk areas. Applicants must confirm that they have made efforts to ascertain this.

PLEASE NOTE: In exceptional cases, if you are not able to travel outside the city where you are based for safety and security reasons, please provide explanations in the tour summary below.

Who can submit an application?

• The artist or band should choose one person to make the application on their behalf (the applicant). This can be someone who is part of the band or the solo artist him/herself. You can also choose someone who is not part of the band to represent you. Organisations or companies can also apply on your behalf. The applicant will be responsible for managing and reporting on how the support has been utilised and will be the sole contact person if the grant is approved. More importantly, the applicant must have a good track record and you must trust her/him.
• The applicant can be an individual, a company or an organisation.
• The applicant will be directly responsible for the preparation and management of the project (and not just act as an intermediary).
• The applicant must be over 18 years old. Proof of identification will be required for individuals as well as registration documents for companies and organisations.
• The applicant must be based in the eligible countries.

2. Types of projects

• Projects submitted for consideration must have firm plans for a live music performance outside the city where the artist or band is based.
• Applicants may visit more than one city and/or perform at more than one venue in each city.
• Performances at festivals and showcases, etc. are welcome if they are taking place in the same country.
• The applicant should be able to demonstrate that such performances will develop her/his professional or creative practice;
• Tour projects that have artistic collaboration components between musicians that lead to live music performances are welcome. 

• Proof of tour arrangements will be required from the venues where the performances will take place.

3. Common non-eligible 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;
• Music education projects.

4. Type of support

Financial Support

Amount: Applicants may request up to €2 000.

Financial support stipulations:

• The amount of €2 000 must not exceed 80% of the total costs of the project.
• Projects requesting amounts higher than the limits stated above will not be considered.
• Applicants are encouraged to seek additional funding and sponsorship for their project.
• Applicants are encouraged to form partnerships with host venues, festivals or music events that will enable them to receive contributions from the venues towards technical costs and door deals, and exempt applicants from paying venue rental costs.

Eligible costs:

• Travel and transportation costs (maximum €600).
• Accommodation (maximum of €50 per night, per person).
• Daily meal allowance (maximum of €20 per day, per person).
• Technical support: sound, lighting, equipment (maximum €200).
• Publicity: design, printing, distribution (up to the value of €100).
• Coordination, administration and management costs (up to the amount of €200).

Non-eligible costs:

• Performance fees.
• Hiring of venues and other spaces.
• Buying assets, such as equipment, computers, software and instruments.
• General running costs and overheads of the individual or organisation/company.
• Costs that are already covered by other funding.

Administrative Support

• Administrative support via email is offered during the application process. Email [email protected]. Additional administrative support will also be offered to successful applicants during the contracted project period.

5. Steps to apply

• Read the call for applications carefully.
• Applications will only be done electronically using the form provided by the MIAF. Two application forms are provided – in French and in English.
• 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.
• Create (if you haven’t already) an artist profile on the Music In Africa Artist & Industry section using this link: https://musicinafrica.net/user/register
• Make sure that your profile is up to date. At least one track will be required. Although not mandatory, it is strongly recommended that your profile has at least one video showing your performance. Additional content like pictures and social media links will be advantageous.
• You may find your profile already created by a Music In Africa contributor. In that case, you would need to claim it. Once you have control of your profile, make sure to update the information, as this is the profile that the jury will review.

6. Mandatory application accompanying documents

• Legal identification documentation of the applicant: ID/passport copy (for individuals and organisation representatives); registration documents (for companies);
• ‍Track record as an active musician: an up-to-date Music In Africa profile URL with an up to date biography and at least one song;
• ‍Project budget: projected income and expenditure in euro (€);
• ‍Tour schedule including calendar of activities;
• ‍Letters from hosts, partners and stakeholders confirming their involvement with the project;
• Letter from the applicant’s bank – official bank-stamped letter verifying that the applicant has a bank account.

Additional attachments such as CV, press coverage, weblinks, evidence of recognition awards, public appearances, etc. will be accepted as attachments to the application but are not mandatory;

7. Selection Process

Deadline for applications: 10 September (midnight CAT) 2017.

• Successful applicants will be announced by 20 September 2017.
• Unsuccessful applicants will also 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.
• An applicant may submit only one application under this call.
• Similarly, a project/tour may only be submitted by one individual/organisation
• Note that a copy of your proposal will not be returned to you.

For transparency purposes, all beneficiary names will be published on www.musicinafrica.net within 30 days after they have been selected.

8. 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 [email protected]

For more information about the Music In Africa Connects project, please visit our website. Follow us on Twitter, like us on Facebook and subscribe to our monthly newsletter.