Call for Grants for Co-Creation of New Heritage Narratives 2026 is open now !!!
The Goethe-Institut invites non-profit, non-governmental organizations in Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho, Namibia, South Africa, and Zimbabwe to apply for grants under the “Africa-Europe
Partnerships for Culture: Southern Africa” project. This initiative, funded by the European Union, aims to strengthen cultural cooperation within Southern Africa as well as between Southern Africa and Europe, to enhance regional cultural production capacities, and promote intercultural dialogue through the co-creation of new narratives around tangible and intangible cultural heritage.
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This Call for Proposals seeks to select at least 8 organizations to lead “Narrative Clusters,” collaborating with interdisciplinary groups of artists/creatives to develop innovative stories that increase the visibility and contemporary relevance of their heritage. Selected organizations will receive grants of up to €55,000 to manage these clusters, fund co productions, and present new narratives to local audiences over an 15-month period.
A heritage narrative is a story that makes heritage sites and practices come to life. It tells a story that allows people in the community and beyond relate to the heritage. In that, a heritage narrative contributes to identity building and community building. These narratives are not automatically present in the heritage itself but are actively created among communities to connect the past with contemporary issues and future possibilities.
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Thus, heritage narrative conveys significance, meaning, and identity associated with cultural heritage—whether tangible (like monuments, artifacts, landscapes) or intangible (such as traditions, languages, rituals). It’s essentially the way communities, institutions, or individuals interpret and communicate the value of heritage to others.
Key aspects of a heritage narrative include the historical context, the cultural significance, its relation to identity and memory as well as its transmission.
Overall objective of the program is to increase public visibility and understanding of the selected heritage narratives (tangible or intangible) and their contemporary relevance in southern Africa and beyond.
Benefits
- Up to €55,000 per selected organization, based on a detailed budget submitted with the application. Budget template will be provided on GAP. No other template will be accepted.
- At least 8 grants will be awarded across the six project countries.
- Staff costs, event organization (narrative development retreats, local presentations), co-production funding (materials, equipment hire, etc.), travel, accommodation, outreach activities, and costs related to accessibility (e.g., adaptations for persons with disabilities) and environmental sustainability will be covered.
- Approximately three artistic co-productions per Narrative Cluster (e.g., performances, exhibitions, installations, films), highlighting the heritage narrative itself as well as its relevance.
- Dissemination or showcasing of co-productions to local and regional audiences through high-profile, multi-day public events.
- Increased visibility of the heritage organization and its narrative/practice, contributing to intercultural dialogue and cultural diversity
Eligibilities
- The applicant must be a non-profit, non-governmental legal entity registered in one of the six project countries (Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho, Namibia, South Africa, Zimbabwe).
- The organization must be legally registered and operational in one of the project countries for at least two years, with a demonstrated track record of heritage-related activities.
- The organization must manage a tangible heritage site (e.g., archaeological site, historical building) or an intangible heritage practice (e.g., folklore, music, traditional crafts) of one of the six project countries (Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho, Namibia, South Africa, Zimbabwe).
- Preference will be given to organizations representing lesser-known heritage sites or practices (with particular relevance and importance for local communities and with limited geographical reach.), particularly those outside major urban centers.
Application Process
- Applications must be submitted via the Apply Now link.
- No applications will be accepted via email.
Application Deadline: February 13, 2026 (26 Days Remaining)
Apply nowOfficial link
