Who We Fund

We offer funding for Afghan artists, ensembles, organisations, and initiatives within the diaspora and exile communities. Afghan artists who are at least 18 years old. Newcomers are also encouraged to apply. This funding allows them to undertake projects both inside and outside of Afghanistan. Both individuals and groups are eligible, with a special emphasis on female artists.

Our Support Focus

We support projects in the artistic fields of music and storytelling. In music, our support spans a wide range of projects, from traditional tunes to contemporary compositions. This includes music production, composition, score writing, educational opportunities, the exploration of musical traditions, the preservation of musical archives, and more. In storytelling, we back initiatives such as poetry, literature, translations, theatre performances, short documentaries, photography, and live performances.

What are the Selection Criteria?

• Being of Afghan descent and of legal age
• Quality of the project proposal and idea
• Relevance of the projects to Afghan culture and art
• Balanced project partnership and artistic collaboration
• Feasibility of the project
• Innovative design and originality
• Project duration should not exceed four months

More details can be found in the evaluation criteria.

What documents are required?

• Project description
• Financial plan
• Proof of identity

Applications to the Afghanistan Cultural Fund must be submitted online in English

Application Deadline

The deadline for projects starting in 2024 is August 15, 2024, at 11:59 PM (CET). Applications can be submitted starting 1st July, 2024.

The jury’s decision will be announced in mid-November.

Can project participants work in different locations?

Yes, projects spanning multiple locations are welcome and should be clearly mentioned in the application.

Are digital projects eligible?

Yes, digital projects are also eligible for applications.

What does the Afghanistan Cultural Fund not support?

Commercial projects and ongoing operational costs are not eligible for funding.

Funding for projects in North Korea, Iran, Cuba, Syria, Venezuela, and the occupied regions of Ukraine is not possible. Additionally, projects involving individuals subject to U.S. sanctions are also excluded from funding.

How can I increase my chances of getting funded?

To enhance your chances, ensure you meet these fundamental criteria: fostering active and equitable collaboration across generations, embracing gender diversity, promoting societal inclusivity, encouraging innovation and originality, maintaining relevance to Afghan culture, practicing transparent cost planning, and implementing projects realistically.

Can the ACF Team help find project partners?

Yes, the ACF team is well-connected globally and can assist in finding project partners within the Afghan cultural scene.

What is the maximum funding amount?

The total budget for the two calls is €250,000, with a maximum grant of €10,000 per call.

Can I apply for less than the maximum funding?

Yes, the ACF encourages smaller projects with lower budgets to support a wide range of initiatives.

Which law applies to my project?

Applicants should follow the laws of the country in which they reside in carrying out their projects. If your project spans multiple countries, please make sure to comply with the relevant laws in each location.

Is there support available for application submission?

Yes, webinars will be offered throughout the application period in English, Pashto, and Dari.

Can I submit multiple applications?

Yes, you can submit multiple applications. However, only one application will be considered.

Can I edit applications after submission?

Yes, you can. Please send a message through the application portal to make changes.

Is it possible to participate in multiple projects?

No, it is not.

What happens if the project team changes?

As long as there are no significant changes to the project plan, there are no objections. Please notify the ACF team immediately about any changes.

Can a non-Afghan organization submit an application on my behalf?

No, they cannot.

Should the target audience of my project be Afghan or non-Afghan?

The choice of target group is entirely up to you.

How many steps does an application go through?

Applications are first reviewed by the ACF team for compliance with formal requirements. They are then presented to the respective juries for the final decision. Finally, the Advisory Board reviews the applications.

Why is the project duration limited to only four months?

The project period is currently limited to April 2024, making it impossible to support projects extending beyond this timeframe.
 

Can I seek funding for projects that have already been completed?

No, you cannot.