Halaqat – an Arabic term meaning ‘multiple links and circles’ – provides a space for cultural actors from Arab and European countries to artistically reflect on themes of care, exploring them through the lens of gender. Launched in 2021, the project fosters exchange and supports artistic productions and cultural scenes in both regions. In its second phase, running from 2024 to 2027, the main activities of Halaqat are taking place in Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon, Morocco, and Belgium.
Halaqat explores the notion of ‘care’, a concept which is deeply related to gender topics in both regions, and tackles the questions of gender equity and sensitivity, and power dynamics, in an inclusive and intersectional way. Care is a multifaceted notion. It can refer to a particular attention or concern for someone or something, but it can also convey the idea of worrying about or looking after something, implying a sense of responsibility or vigilance. The project invites dialogue with artists, cultural practitioners and audiences, exploring the theme of care on both a structural and artistic level. How can different notions of care be addressed and expressed? How do dominant narratives influence which bodies are cared about (and which are not), and how can these narratives be challenged? How can we strengthen practices of care in the cultural scene and in society at large?
The networks, knowledge, lessons learned and exchanges from the first phase of Halaqat inspired the design of this next phase. The project has an expanded geographical scope and takes a cross-regional and intra-regional approach, fostering South-South exchange. It also focuses on the notion of locality and the importance of bringing forward the role of art in local communities. The key objective is to strengthen artistic voices by supporting co-creation through different grants, residencies, public events, and capacity-building initiatives like workshops and mentorship programmes.
Halaqat (2024-2027) is funded by the European Union and implemented by the Goethe-Institut. It will run for 32 months until spring 2027 with activities in Belgium, Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon, and Morocco.
Halaqat is a cultural project that promotes artistic exchange between Arab and European countries and supports artistic productions in both regions to reflect artistically on issues of care, exploring them through the lens of gender. The key objective of the project is to strengthen artistic voices by supporting co-creation through various grants, residencies, public events, and capacity-building initiatives such as workshops and mentorship programmes. In the second phase of the project, running from 2024 to 2027, Halaqat’s main activities will take place in Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon, Morocco, and Belgium.
Within the framework of its Call for Residency Hosts, Halaqat provides financial support to legal entities, based in Jordan, Lebanon or Morocco, and interested in hosting three artists for a residency project. This funding opportunity aims to strengthen the capacity of hosts to deliver valuable gender-inclusive residency experiences, fostering both local, intra-regional and cross-regional connections.
Support residency hosts in creating gender-inclusive artistic environments.
Strengthen local, intra-regional, and cross-regional cultural connections.
Foster artistic co-creation and mobility.
Encourage themes of care and gender equity in artistic production.
The concept of care is a multifaceted notion. It can refer to a particular attention or concern for someone or something, but it can also convey the idea of worrying about or looking after something, implying a sense of responsibility or vigilance.
Halaqat invites dialogue with artists, cultural practitioners and audiences, exploring the theme of care on both a structural and artistic level. The project seeks to explore:
How can different notions of care be addressed and expressed?
How do dominant narratives influence which bodies are cared about (and which are not), and how can these narratives be challenged?
How to strengthen care structures in the cultural sector How to strengthen care structures in the cultural sector.
The call is open to all artistic disciplines.
Yes, residencies that foster cross-disciplinary collaboration are highly encouraged
Eligible residency hosts must be active in at least one artistic sector and be based in one of the following countries: Jordan, Lebanon or Morocco. Applicants should propose a residency concept that supports three artists with individual artistic projects. To qualify, hosts must have a demonstrated hosting capacity and prior experience in managing residency projects, with a minimum of two previously hosted residencies. Residencies can last 6 weeks or 3 months, taking place between January 1st and September 30th, 2026. A residency host can also both a 6-week and 3-month residency.
Legal entities based in Jordan, Lebanon or Morocco and represented by a legal person. For the purpose of this call, legal entities include but are not limited to registered organisations, non-profit organisations, foundations, collectives, and non-registered organisations represented by a legal person.
Yes, as long as they can provide proof of legal status or a clear explanation of their legal standing in the application.
No, applicants must have a track record of at least two previously hosted residencies to be eligible.
No, this call is exclusively for legal entities based in Jordan, Lebanon, or Morocco.
No, the legal entity must be registered and operate within the same country where the residency takes place.
The funding enables the hosting of three artists over defined periods of either 6 weeks and/or 3 months.
Residency Hosts can apply under three options:
Option 1: to host a 6-week residency.
Option 2: to host a 3-month residency.
Option 3: to host both a 6-week and a 3-month residency.
Yes, it is possible to apply for both 6-week and 3-month residencies, but the applicant should submit two separate applications, one for each specific duration and with a distinct residency concept.
Between January 1 and September 30, 2026.
At the application stage, it is only necessary to have a residency concept. The residency project will be developed at a later stage from the combination of the residency concept submitted by the residency host and the individual projects of the participating artists. The funding encourages collaboration between residency hosts and artists from different artistic sectors and backgrounds.
Eligible activities can include, but are not limited to:
Residency programme development
Local artist collaboration initiatives
Cultural exchange workshops
Community art projects
Networking events
Access to artistic resources
Exhibition and performance opportunities
Discussions around the topic of gender equity
Public engagement activities
A separate open call will select artists. Residency hosts will participate in the selection process alongside the Halaqat team.
The funding encourages collaboration between residency hosts and artists from different artistic sectors and backgrounds. Artists from both Arab and European countries can apply, but priority will be given to artists based in the Arab region and residing in countries other than the host’s country, in line with Halaqat’s endeavours to foster South-South artistic mobility.
Funding will be awarded as a lump sum grant, with a maximum fixed amount determined based on the duration of the residency.
The grant covers the costs associated with hosting the residency, including in-house or rented accommodation, suitable workspaces, necessary facilities and resources, professional mentoring, and on-site support staff.
Maximum Grant Amount (EUR):
€4,500 for a 6-week residency (3 artists at €1,500 each).
€9,000 for a 3-month residency (3 artists at €3,000 each).
Yes, participating artists will receive separate grants for travel, production costs, showcasing, and per diems.
Yes, co-funding is permissible, but double funding from EU sources for the same residency is prohibited.
70% prior to the start of the residency project, and upon signature of the Grant Agreement.
30% after the residency ends and the Activity Report is approved.
Applications must be submitted via the Goethe-Application Portal (GAP) by 10/03/2025, 11:59 AM CET.
Applications can be submitted in either English, Arabic, or French.
Executive summary (in English).
Proof of registration/legal status.
Proof of hosting capacity (facilities, accommodation, equipment).
Artistic portfolio.
The Executive Summary should be submitted in English, regardless of the Language in which the application is submitted. Official documents should be submitted, in the language in which they were provided by issuing authorities and translations are not required. The remaining supporting documents (Artistic Portfolio and Proof of Hosting Capacity) should be submitted in the same language used for the application.
The Executive Summary should consist of a brief proposal (500 to 2000 characters) for a residency concept (possible artistic disciplines, timeline, activities etc.) This document should be written in English. Applicants are, however, free to work with proofreaders, to use online translation tools, and/or AI tools.
No, applications must be submitted through the GAP portal.
Late submissions will not be considered.
Applications go through:
Eligibility check.
Evaluation by three experts.
Interviews with shortlisted applicants.
Final jury selection
Approximately 4 to 6 weeks after the deadline.
The results (selected, not selected, and reserve list) are communicated individually to applicants via the Goethe-Application Portal (GAP), approximately 4 to 6 weeks after the deadline. Applicants will also receive an e-mail notification.
Applicants on the reserve list may be contacted if selected projects drop out.
Join Halaqat Question Time! (online Q&A events announced on social media).
Email Halaqat@goethe.de or message via the GAP platform.
Yes, the project team will try to provide support in Arabic, English, or French.
Film screenings, concerts, performances, art installations, debates... More than 35 public events have already taken place within the framework of Halaqat!
Halaqat – an Arabic term meaning ‘multiple links and circles’ – provides a space for cultural actors from Arab and European countries to artistically reflect on themes of care, exploring them through the lens of gender. Launched in 2021, the project fosters exchange and supports artistic productions and cultural scenes in both regions.
Halaqat explores the notion of ‘care’, a concept which is deeply related to gender topics in both regions, and tackles the questions of gender equity and sensitivity, and power dynamics, in an inclusive and intersectional way. Care is a multifaceted notion. It can refer to a particular attention or concern for someone or something, but it can also convey the idea of worrying about or looking after something, implying a sense of responsibility or vigilance. The project invites dialogue with artists, cultural practitioners and audiences, exploring the theme of care on both a structural and artistic level. How can different notions of care be addressed and expressed? How do dominant narratives influence which bodies are cared about (and which are not), and how can these narratives be challenged? How can we strengthen practices of care in the cultural scene and in society at large?
The project started in 2021 and gathered over 100 artists, partners and experts from the Arab countries and Europe, first in Brussels and later in Egypt, Jordan and Morocco. Over the last three years, more than 60,000 visitors have attended public discussions, film screenings, concerts, performances, and visual art installations at Bozar and various locations in Brussels, Madrid, Rabat, Cairo and Amman.
In this new phase, Halaqat will be primarily implemented in four Arab countries (Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon, Morocco), as well as in Belgium and include:
Grants for artists and curators, residency hosting organisations, festivals and projects
Showcasing: public events and awareness campaigns
Capacity-building: workshops and mentorship programme
The first round of open calls will be published in early February 2025.
Youtube Halaqat - videos
Flickr Halaqat
Halaqat, launched in 2021, fosters cultural exchange between Europe and the Arab region. Initially co-financed by the European Union (under the designation: EU-LAS CULTURE), Goethe-Institut and Bozar, it was implemented by the Goethe-Institut in collaboration with Bozar until 2023, continuing with its own funds thereafter. The new iteration of Halaqat (2024-2027) is funded by the European Union and implemented by the Goethe-Institut. It will run for 32 months until spring 2027 with activities in Belgium, Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon, and Morocco.
