The Goethe-Institut, in partnership with the European Union, is inviting applications for the Grants for the Co-Creation of New Heritage Narratives 2026 under its Africa–Europe Partnerships for Culture programme in Southern Africa. This funding opportunity is designed to support innovative, inclusive, and collaborative approaches to re-imagining cultural heritage, with a strong focus on community engagement, artistic co-creation, and cross-disciplinary exchange.
The initiative seeks to empower non-profit and non-governmental organisations to take the lead in developing new narratives around both tangible and intangible heritage. By working closely with artists, creatives, researchers, and community stakeholders, selected organisations will establish “Narrative Clusters” that explore heritage from contemporary, critical, and locally grounded perspectives. These clusters are expected to generate creative outputs that strengthen cultural visibility, encourage dialogue, and reposition heritage as a living and evolving resource.
Purpose of the Grant
The primary objective of this grant is to challenge dominant or outdated heritage narratives and replace them with more diverse, inclusive, and community-driven interpretations. The Goethe-Institut aims to support projects that highlight underrepresented histories, practices, and voices, particularly those rooted in marginalized communities or lesser-known heritage sites. Through co-creation, participating organisations will foster meaningful collaboration between heritage custodians and creative practitioners, ensuring that new narratives reflect lived experiences and contemporary realities.
Funding and Support
Successful applicants may receive funding of up to €55,000 per project. At least eight organisations across eligible Southern African countries will be supported. The funding is intended to cover a wide range of project-related expenses, including coordination and personnel costs, artistic production, workshops and residencies, community engagement activities, documentation, travel, accommodation, and communication efforts. Funds will be disbursed in instalments and will be subject to agreed milestones, reporting requirements, and financial accountability standards.
In addition to financial support, grantees will benefit from institutional guidance and visibility through the Goethe-Institut’s regional and international cultural networks.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must be legally registered non-profit or non-governmental organisations based in Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho, Namibia, South Africa, or Zimbabwe. Eligible organisations should have been operational for at least two years and demonstrate prior experience in cultural heritage, arts programming, community development, or related fields.
Applicants must be directly responsible for, or closely affiliated with, a tangible heritage site such as a historical landmark, archive, or museum or an intangible heritage practice, including oral traditions, rituals, music, crafts, or performance. Preference will be given to organisations that work with heritage that is under-documented, under-funded, or located outside major urban centres.
Selection Criteria
Applications will be assessed based on several key factors. These include the relevance and originality of the proposed heritage theme, the organisation’s capacity to manage collaborative creative processes, the suitability of available facilities or spaces, and the strength of the proposed partnerships with artists and creatives. Reviewers will also consider the quality of community engagement strategies and plans for sharing project outcomes with wider audiences in accessible and meaningful ways.
Application Process and Timeline
Interested organisations are required to submit a complete application through the Goethe-Institut’s official application platform. Proposals must include a clear project concept, an outline of planned activities, a realistic budget, and information about the organisation’s experience and capacity. The application deadline is 13 February 2026.
Conclusion
The Goethe-Institut Grants for the Co-Creation of New Heritage Narratives 2026 offer a significant opportunity for organisations in Southern Africa to rethink heritage through collaborative, creative, and forward-looking approaches. By supporting inclusive storytelling and artistic experimentation, this initiative contributes to stronger cultural ecosystems and deeper connections between heritage, communities, and contemporary creative practice.
