Part of the Africa–Europe Partnerships for Culture, the AEMP supports collaboration between museums and heritage institutions to develop new approaches to exhibitions, public engagement and audience participation. The initiative is funded by the European Union, with contributions from Belgium, France, Germany and the Netherlands, in close cooperation with the African Union, and is implemented by Expertise France and the Goethe-Institut.
Two calls are open for applications:
- Innovative and Sustainable Exhibitions Grants
The first call supports pilot exhibition projects that test innovative and sustainable exhibition practices. Funding is available for partnerships seeking to explore new approaches to exhibition development, presentation and sustainability.
Apply for the grant (via Expertise France’s website)
- Mediation and Public Engagement Grants
The second call focuses on museum mediation, cultural education and public engagement. Particular attention is given to initiatives working with young people, women, local communities and diaspora audiences.
Apply for the grant (via Expertise France’s website)
Who can apply?
Applications must be submitted by a partnership of at least two organisations, with at least one partner being a museum or heritage institution based in Sub-Saharan Africa. Partnerships may be:
- African-European partnerships
- Partnerships between organisations based in African countries
- Partnerships made up exclusively of European organisations are not eligible.
- Civil society organisations, universities, schools and other relevant bodies may participate as associated partners.
Key dates
Applications are accepted until 4 December 2026.
To support potential applicants, the organisers will host a series of online information sessions presenting the two funding calls, explaining the application requirements and answering questions from participants. Interpretation will be available in English, French and Portuguese. Register to the sessions here: https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/1Cpbk0bJTziKPvG-xDj2bQ
Upcoming information sessions:
- 30 October 2026, 14:00 CET
- 10 November 2026, 11:00 CET
- 20 November 2026, 11:00 CET
Applicants may also submit written questions until 26 November 2026 to museumpartnership@expertisefrance.fr. Responses will be published in the FAQ section of the respective call pages.
Learn more about the Africa–Europe Partnerships for Culture
The African-European Museum Partnership forms part of the wider Africa–Europe Partnerships for Culture, an EU-supported framework that promotes cultural cooperation between Europe and Sub-Saharan Africa.
With a total investment of more than €70 million, the initiative supports collaboration between artists, cultural professionals, museums, heritage organisations, networks, festivals and other cultural actors across the two continents. Beyond funding individual projects, the programme aims to strengthen long-term partnerships based on mutual learning, co-creation and shared expertise.
The Partnerships also support skills development, audiovisual production and initiatives that contribute to employment and sustainable growth within the cultural and creative sectors, reinforcing the role of culture as a driver of international cooperation and social development.
