Open call: Thought pieces on cultural exchange

For several decades, the Goethe-Institut and other national cultural institutes have described their work through the lens of ‘cultural exchange’. This call seeks to interrogate the adequacy of this metaphor and assess how it shapes institutional practices, power relations and modes of engagement. The initiative is grounded in the view that cultures are not commodities to be exchanged, but sites of knowledge production, learning and transformation.

The project will bring together perspectives from Africa, Europe and other regions, drawing on a range of disciplinary approaches. Selected contributions will inform a symposium scheduled for March 2026 and a related event marking the 75th anniversary of the Goethe-Institut.

Scope and focus

Proposed thought pieces should critically reflect on the metaphor of ‘cultural exchange’, considering how such language influences:

• Institutional imaginaries and cultural policy frameworks
• Power dynamics within Africa–Europe cultural cooperation
• Knowledge production, learning and engagement across regions

Submissions may be approached from disciplines including, but not limited to:

• Media or Cultural Studies
• Philosophy
• Political Science
• Sociology
• Linguistics
• Ethnology
• International Relations
• Journalism and related fields

Who can apply

The call is open to internationally recognised:

• Scholars
• Intellectuals
• Activists

Applicants should have a minimum of three years’ professional or academic experience in a relevant field and demonstrate familiarity with Africa–Europe cultural cooperation.

Submission requirements

Applicants are required to submit:

• A proposal of no more than one page outlining the proposed thought piece
• A short CV and relevant links (maximum one page)

Submissions should be sent by email to:

• Benjamin Bergner: [email protected]
• Philina Wittke: [email protected]

Selection and publication

• A curated selection of five to six contributions will be commissioned.
• Selected authors will be invited to submit full thought pieces of approximately 5–8 pages.
• The final texts will be published in a reader that will serve as the basis for the March 2026 symposium.

Honorarium and timeline

• Commissioned authors will receive an honorarium of €500 (about $580).
• Final contributions must be submitted by the end of February 2026.

Selection criteria

Proposals will be assessed on the basis of:

• Quality and relevance of the proposed contribution
• Author’s experience and qualifications
• Demonstrated understanding of Africa–Europe cultural cooperation
• Ability to meet the project timeline

Deadline

• Proposal submission deadline: 31 January 2026

This call forms part of a broader initiative to critically reassess the language and assumptions underpinning international cultural cooperation, with a view to fostering more reflective and equitable modes of engagement.