The British Council has announced the return of the Festival Connect Fund, an initiative that supports collaborative festival projects between Sub-Saharan Africa and the United Kingdom. Now in its second edition, the fund aims to spark cultural exchange, artistic innovation, and deeper engagement between creatives across both regions.
With up to £100,000 in total funding available, the Festival Connect Fund is designed to facilitate partnerships that foster mobility, community involvement, and shared storytelling through the medium of festivals. The programme encourages the development of new festival experiences, co-created artistic work, and the exploration of hybrid and sustainable formats.
Eligible applicants include artists, producers, and cultural organisations based in any of the following Sub-Saharan African countries: Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Mauritius, Malawi, Nigeria, Rwanda, Senegal, South Africa, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. From the UK, applicants based in England, Northern Ireland, Scotland, and Wales are eligible to participate.
The British Council is placing emphasis on projects that promote mutual learning and long-term connections between the two regions. Successful proposals are expected to reflect a strong spirit of collaboration and innovation in festival-making.
Info session: An online information session is scheduled for 26 May 2025, providing potential applicants with an opportunity to learn more about the fund and the application process.
Deadline: The deadline for submissions is 27 June 2025, with selected grantees to be announced in September 2025.
Follow this link to apply directly at the British Council.
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