Open call: Grants for heritage organisations

This initiative aims to strengthen cultural cooperation within the Southern African region and between Southern Africa and Europe, while enhancing cultural production capacities and fostering intercultural dialogue through the co-creation of new narratives around tangible and intangible cultural heritage.

About the call

This call for proposals will support the selection of over 16 heritage organisations to lead Narrative Clusters, working collaboratively with interdisciplinary groups of artists and creatives. Selected organisations will receive grants of up to €55 000 (about $63 00) to coordinate artistic co-productions and showcase new heritage narratives through public events over an 18-month period.

Objectives of the call

• Increase visibility and contemporary relevance of heritage narratives in Southern Africa and beyond.
• Support co-creation of interdisciplinary narratives that connect with diverse audiences.
• Foster collaboration between heritage organisations and creatives from at least three Southern African countries, with the potential inclusion of European perspectives.
• Enhance the cultural production and engagement capacities of heritage organisations.

Who can apply?

Applicants must:

• Be a non-profit, non-governmental organisation registered and operating in Botswana, eSwatini, Lesotho, Namibia, South Africa, or Zimbabwe for at least two years.
• Represent or manage tangible or intangible heritage (e.g., historic sites, traditional crafts, folklore, music).
• Operate outside major urban centres (preferred).
• UNESCO World Heritage Sites are not eligible.

Eligible activities include:

• Recruitment of creatives through tailored calls.
• Narrative development retreats and co-creation sessions.
• Public presentation events.
• Interdisciplinary artistic co-productions (e.g., exhibitions, performances, film, digital works).
• Community outreach, especially youth and source communities.
• Gender equality, accessibility, and environmental sustainability measures.

Award criteria

• Applications will be evaluated on:
• Relevance of proposed themes and heritage narratives (30%)
• Organisational and logistical capacity (25%)
• Access to working facilities and infrastructure (20%)
• Commitment to collaboration and creative exchange (15%)
• Plans for community engagement and outreach (10%)

Grant details

• Up to €55 000 per organisation
• More than 16 grants to be awarded
• Funds disbursed in instalments, based on progress and financial reporting
• Additional support includes capacity-building workshops and technical guidance from the Goethe-Institut

How to apply

Applications must be submitted via the Goethe application portal here. The deadline for applications is 10 September 2025. Only one application per organisation will be considered.

Applicants must submit:

• Organisational profile and proof of registration
• Description of heritage site/practice and proposed themes
• Collaboration and outreach strategy
• Budget (template provided in GAP)
• Supporting documents (e.g., financial statements, infrastructure details, references)

Timeline

• Call opens: 30 July 2025
• Deadline: 10 September 2025
• Selection period: 11 – 24 September 2025
• Notification & contracting: October 2025
• Project implementation: November 2025 – 31 May 2027

For full eligibility criteria, award guidelines, and submission instructions, please visit the Goethe Application Portal or contact your local Goethe-Institut office.

View the original call here.

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