Open call: Goethe-Institut Project Space 2026

Now in its latest round, the GPS grant supports art professionals and collectives engaging directly with communities outside the major urban centres, with a focus on artistic production, collaboration, and facilitation. Projects must actively involve cultural or public spaces, fostering genuine exchange with local communities.

What is funded

GPS supports non-commercial, professional arts and cultural production. The initiative is open to a range of creative disciplines but excludes social cohesion or development-based projects, and those based solely in urban centres such as Johannesburg, Cape Town or Durban.

Projects that bridge rural and urban spaces or involve collaborative partnerships with established community arts venues are particularly encouraged. The aim is to stimulate artistic innovation that is rooted in place, community, and critical engagement.

Up to three projects will be selected for the 2026 round.

Who can apply

• Individual artists, collectives or arts organisations based in South Africa, Lesotho or eSwatini.
• Projects must take place outside Johannesburg, Cape Town or Durban.
• The venue or space involved must have operated for at least two years and demonstrate a track record of professionalism.
• Applications must include a signed collaboration agreement between all parties (artists, collaborators, and host space).
• Only one proposal per applicant will be considered.

Requirements

Applicants will be required to complete an application form (available soon) and prepare the following:

Mandatory:

• Project synopsis (max. 200 words).
• Detailed project description (max. 1 000 words).
• Project objectives and delivery methods (max. 200 words).
• Realisation timeline and promotion strategy (max. 500 words).
• Biographies of all involved parties (max. 500 words).
• Signed collaboration agreement signed by all artists involved in the project.
• Budget plan, showing both expenditure and income.

Optional:

• Supporting materials (press reviews, images, previous work), up to three files or links. Reference letters are not required.

Conditions of funding

• Only projects running between February and November 2026 will be eligible.
• The maximum grant available is R105 000. For larger projects, additional co-funding must be sourced and reflected in the budget.
• The project plan must be realistic and clearly show how it will be delivered.
• Proposals must show how the project meaningfully engages with the host community.

Evaluation criteria

Applications will be assessed on the basis of:

• Artistic quality and cultural relevance.
• Connection to and rootedness in the local community.
• Realistic planning and budgeting.
• Feasibility within the timeframe.
• Appropriateness for the intended space and audience.
• Strength of the partnership between artist(s) and host venue.

The application deadline is 15 September.

View the original call here.