THE European Union (EU) has opened a new programme for local creatives, offering opportunities to connect, collaborate and develop work with partners across Africa and Europe.
The Africa-Europe Partnerships for Culture: Sub-Saharan Africa programme has opened its third round of Individual Mobility Grants, targeting artists and culture professionals seeking to grow their creative practices through mobility, networking and cooperation.
The opportunity covers different creative sectors and encourages professionals to build links beyond their home markets.
EU Political Councillor Jose Becerra said the programme is designed to help creatives improve their work while creating stronger links between African and European cultural practitioners.
“The grant call supports mobility, networking, artistic cooperation and mutual learning,” he said. An application workshop will also be held to guide interested creatives through the process.
The session will cover eligibility, budget requirements and the use of the Goethe Application Portal.
Creatives have been encouraged to visit the Goethe-Institut Africa-Europe Partnerships for Culture website for full requirements and application details.
The programme also allows international organisations and events that host performing arts and music professionals to apply.
Its mobility scheme mainly supports short-term movement between African countries, giving artists and cultural professionals an opportunity to meet, work and learn in new creative environments. According to Becerra, European artists and organisations are also eligible where they already have an established partnership with an African artist, institution or organisation.
He said this creates room for joint projects and stronger working relationships between creatives on both continents.
Becerra further highlighted the Southern Africa component, which includes Eswatini among six countries. Artists and creatives will work with heritage narratives from the region and reimagine them through contemporary creative work.
“The programme is aimed at promoting artistic creativity,” Becerra said, noting that such initiatives can help local talent access new platforms and develop their work. Selected practitioners will take part in a six-month heritage narrative development process led by heritage organisations. The process will result in three co-produced creative works, creating opportunities for collaboration while connecting cultural heritage with contemporary artistic practice.
The programme comes as local creatives continue to seek opportunities that can help them reach wider audiences and markets.
Becerra urged artists and other creative professionals to make use of the opportunity and attend the workshop to understand the application process.
He also pointed to previous support received through similar programmes, including funding that benefited the Babukisi Foundation and Eswatini Theatre Club. The deadline for the current call is September 16.
CREATIVES HAIL EU OPPORTUNITIES AS TALENT UPLIFTMENT
LOCAL creatives have welcomed the European Union opportunities, saying such programmes help strengthen skills, networks and chances of growth.
Afropop musician Sancheziey sees the initiative as a platform for artists seeking to improve their work and explore new possibilities.
While learning about the programme, he plans to take part, viewing participation as a sign of commitment to his career. “Opportunities like these are rare nowadays,” he said.
For Sancheziey, artists cannot afford to ignore platforms that could add value to their craft. He believes every opening should be explored because its benefits may only become clear with time.
This approach is shared by rapper Young Zesh, who praised the EU for supporting the creative sector.
He sees collaboration as important in building a name, for emerging artists. “Collaborations are important because that is how you get recognised as a creative,” he said.
Young Zesh also urged creatives to avoid judging opportunities before understanding their value.
Turning down a platform could mean losing a chance that might lead to bigger stages and connections.
Filmmaker Luyanda Mali revealed that taking opportunities seriously reflects an artist’s dedication.
He intends to test his chances through the programme, believing it could bring change to his career. “I am really going to try my luck through this programme,” Mali said.
