The Sound Connects Fund (SCF) is a multifaceted initiative that aims to accelerate development and increase the capacity of the cultural and creative sectors in Southern Africa by offering financial support in the form of grants and robust capacity-building programmes to eligible creative and cultural industry organisations based in Angola, Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, Zambia and Zimbabwe.
The Fund supports projects across a wide range of disciplines including, but not limited to, performing arts, visual arts, animation, film, gaming, photography, videography etc. A key focus is on projects and activities that facilitate the rapid production and distribution of high quality goods within and outside the 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, and support the existence of sustainable financing structures.
This initiative is made possible with funding from the ACP-EU Culture Programme, a project implemented by the Secretariat of the African, Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) Group of States and funded by the European Union (EU).
Eligible organisations in Angola, Botswana, eSwatini, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, Zambia and Zimbabwe can apply for one of the following available grants:
- Category A (€35,000 - €60,000).
- Project budget is between €35,000 and €60,000.
- Project implementation and final reporting must take place between September 2021 and end of April 2022.
- Category B (€61,000 - €100,000).
- Project budget is between €61,000 and €100,000.
- Project implementation and final reporting must take place between September 2021 and end of September 2022.
- Category C (€101,000 - €180,000).
- Project budget is between €101,000 and €180,000.
- Project implementation and final reporting must take place between September 2021 and end of April 2023.
