Applications Open: January 26 , 2026
Deadline: March31 , 2026
Announcement of results: July31 , 2026
While every local ecological system is a world unto itself, the interaction of two worlds can give rise to novel strategies and solutions—ones that sometimes go beyond those conceived within a single system.
This is the central idea behind the “Creative Caravans” pillar. How can we ensure that our ideas, projects, and solutions circulate in a world where border restrictions, censorship, and fragmentation limit our ability to connect with one another?
In this pillar, this question is addressed through two areas of focus that explore different aspects of circulation and dissemination:
- 1- The first aims to support the systems and people that make the circulation of ideas possible—those that allow us to experience and reflect on art and culture, whether through festivals, exhibitions, or residencies that circulate and disseminate artistic and cultural works on a regional scale. Whether digital or physical, intimate or public, what matters above all is the projects’ ability to circulate—across borders, languages, communities, or platforms—while conveying a sense of shared urgency.
- 2- The second area concerns the media and how we address global and local issues through writing about the arts and culture and multimedia production. At the heart of this work lies storytelling: a way to make sense of the world, to connect lives, and to imagine other possibilities. But stories do not present themselves, nor do they travel on their own. They are shaped, crafted, and interpreted. Media professionals determine not only how a story is told, but also what constitutes a story. Media platforms, for their part, shape the circulation of meaning: they frame narratives, filter voices, and determine what reaches us. They do more than simply relay stories; they create the conditions for engagement. At their best, they can open up space for knowledge and perspectives that have long remained on the margins.
How, then, can we infuse our regional media practices—regardless of format: audio, visual, or written—with the concepts that drive the entire “Ecologies of Culture” program? Can new ecologies of ideas transform the way we write, as well as the topics we cover? This sub-component supports both established and emerging digital media platforms that produce and disseminate narratives addressing the cultural dimensions of current global challenges, and that propose new ways to circulate and amplify ideas.
By envisioning creative caravans connecting our local ecologies, we hope to be able to take in the entire reef, even from our small corner of the regional sea.
Eligibility Requirements
Ineligible Applicants
AFAC will not consider applications submitted by:
- Local authorities and government entities or agencies.
- Members of the AFAC Board of Directors, their business partners, or their family members.
- AFAC staff members, as well as their partners or family members.
- Members of the reading committees and juries for the current year.
FESTIVALS AND TRAVELING PROJECTS
Who Can Apply
This call for proposals is open to institutions and organizations—including festivals, exhibitions, and artist residencies—that showcase and promote artistic and cultural works addressing global issues in at least one of the nine eligible countries. Only established organizations that have organized at least two events in one of the nine countries concerned are eligible to apply.
Current AFAC grant recipients, with the exception of Cycle 2 of the PCAN, may apply. However, priority will be given to those who are not currently receiving a grant. Since collaborative projects are strongly encouraged, Cycle 2 PCAN grant recipients may nevertheless participate in a project led by another eligible organization or entity.
Possible project types: festivals, exhibitions, residencies, and traveling events.
This call for proposals opens on January 26, 2026. Results will be announced in July 2026.
Project implementation period: Projects must be completed within a maximum of 24 months from the signing of the grant agreement. No extensions beyond this period will be granted.
Type of Support
Financial support:
A maximum of 12 selected projects will receive funding of up to 65,000 euros per project.
DIGITAL MEDIA PLATFORMS
Who Can Apply
This call for proposals is open to independent digital media platforms that:
- Are emerging digital media platforms (in operation for at least two years) and are established are eligible to apply.
- Produce content related to one of the nine eligible countries or addressing regional or global issues from a cultural perspective.
Current AFAC grant recipients, with the exception of Cycle 2 of the PCAN, may apply. However, priority will be given to those who do not currently have an active grant. While collaborative projects are strongly encouraged, Cycle 2 PCAN grant recipients may nevertheless participate in a project led by another eligible media platform.
Possible project types include: magazines, podcasts, artistic videos, the creation of critical content related to the arts, culture, and global issues, as well as the development and sustainability of cultural content on independent digital media platforms.
This call for proposals opens on January 26, 2026. Results will be announced in July 2026.
Project implementation period: Projects must be completed within a maximum of 24 months from the signing of the grant agreement. No extensions beyond this period will be granted.
Types of Support
A maximum of 14 independent digital mediaplatforms (7 emerging and 7 established) seeking to strengthen their coverage of the arts, culture, and global issues will receive the following support:
1. Financial support:
A maximum of 7 emerging platforms will receive up to 15,000 euros.
A maximum of 7 established platforms will receive up to 25,000 euros.
2-Capacity building:
Selected grantees will be offered:
- A three-day training program to develop technical and content creation skills, as well as knowledge of major global issues.
- Peer learning with representatives from established digital platforms.
- Individual mentoring and support for digital media platform projects.
- Online webinars focused on gender equality and climate change.
How to Apply
Applications are accepted only through our online application portal. Applications submitted by regular mail or email will not be accepted.
Applicants will receive a confirmation email once their online application has been received. Applicants are strongly advised to ensure that all required documents are fully completed and submitted. AFAC will not contact applicants if their application is incomplete.
Incomplete applications will not be considered.
We encourage you to submit your application 24 hours before the deadline so that we can assist you in case of technical difficulties.
Please note that we will not be able to assist you with any technical issues on the deadline date.
The deadline for submitting your application for the Creative Caravans is March 31, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. +3 GMT (Beirut time).
Preview the application forms