Kumasi: The Goethe-Institut, Ghana, has successfully launched the Africa-Europe Partnerships for Culture (AEPC) project in Kumasi, marking the second launch following an initial event in Accra. The initiative is designed to provide artists, creators, and cultural professionals in the Ashanti region with equal opportunities to participate in a grant competition alongside their counterparts from across Africa.
According to Ghana News Agency, Ms. Excellencial Betty Boatemaa, the Finance and Grants Assistant of the AEPC at Goethe-Institut, highlighted that the European Union (EU) is funding the project, which will run from March 2025 to February 2028. The project aims to bolster collaborations between cultural platforms, events, and organizations across Africa and beyond, while equipping West African festival professionals and artists with skills for international engagement.
Ms. Boatemaa revealed that grants ranging from a maximum of £100,000 to a minimum of £4,000 are available to artists, creators, and organizations competing in the grant competition. The grants are categorized under three components: Sub-Saharan Africa, West Africa, and South Africa. Ghana is eligible for the Sub-Saharan Africa and West Africa grants, offering greater opportunities for local artists, creators, and organizations.
For organizations targeting the West Africa grant, a focus on festival genres such as cinema, music, heritage, literature, performing arts, and visual arts is essential. Meanwhile, both organizations and individuals can apply for the Sub-Saharan Africa grant. Applicants need to register their organizations, demonstrate five years of experience in organizing yearly festivals, and provide necessary documentation. A portfolio is a crucial requirement for the Mobility Grant under the Sub-Saharan Africa component.
Ms. Boatemaa explained that the Sub-Saharan Africa grant supports mobility, allowing individuals or groups with invitations from other countries to apply for transportation and accommodation funding. Interested parties are encouraged to apply via the GOETHE APPLICATION PORTAL, which will close on November 02, 2025.
Ms. Alice Otchere Johnson, the Cluster Coordinator of the AEPC at Goethe-Institut, Ghana, noted that West African countries were prioritized due to research indicating a decline in contemporary festival hosting. The project aims to encourage and support the organization of festivals within the specified genres.
Ms. Johnson expressed gratitude to the Ministry for Culture and the National Commission on Culture for their assistance in launching the project across three regions, including the Northern Region. Ms. Araba Abokoma Essuman, the Deputy Director for the Centre for National Culture, urged artistic groups to register formally, as this is crucial for grant applications. She also encouraged artisans to embrace globalization by enhancing their crafts and acquiring relevant knowledge to remain competitive.