The Music In Africa Foundation (MIAF), in partnership with Goethe-Institut, is calling on organisations operating in the Southern African cultural sector to apply for funding through the newly launched Sound Connects Fund.
The Sound Connects Fund is a multifaceted initiative aimed at accelerating development and increasing the capacity of the cultural and creative sectors in Southern Africa. From 2021 to 2024, the fund will award grants worth €2.85m ($3.4m) and offer a robust capacity-building programme to the value of €570 000 to eligible creative and cultural industry organisations in nine SADC countries: Angola, Botswana, eSwatini, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, Zambia and Zimbabwe.
Eligible organisations include arts organisations, education institutions, associations, industry bodies, hubs and incubators, media houses, civil society and other relevant registered entities.
Multiple disciplines and key focus areas
Using the theme of Sound as a strong connecting factor across the creative industries in the region, the fund will support multiple disciplines including, but not limited to, the performing arts, visual arts, animation, film, gaming, photography and videography.
The initiative seeks to support projects and activities that:
- Facilitate the rapid production and distribution of high-quality goods within and outside the Southern African region.
- Increase capacities among professionals.
- Support rapid mobility and exchange among creators.
- Enhance access to new markets.
- Develop visual literacy (especially among underrepresented groups).
- Promote advocacy aimed at protecting the interests of creators.
- Support the existence of sustainable financing structures.
How to apply
Calls for applications will be announced annually via the Music In Africa portal. At least 35 grants will be awarded between 2021 and 2024. The grants will range between €35 000 and €180 000.
The first call for grant applications opened on 17 June 2021 and will close at midnight on Sunday 25 July 2021. The second and third calls for grant applications are scheduled for 2022.
Interested organisations can apply for funding HERE(link is external).