UNESCO-Aschberg 2027 Call for Researchers: Cultural Mobility Funding Guide (Africa)

Overview

The UNESCO-Aschberg Programme, together with On the Move, has opened a 2027 call for researchers to update the Cultural Mobility Funding Guide: Focus on Africa. The guide documents grants, residencies, travel funds and other mobility opportunities for artists and cultural professionals. The initiative is supported by the Kingdom of Norway, and On the Move coordinates the project. Selected researchers will map, collect, verify and document funding information within a regional cluster.

Who can apply

The call is for experienced researchers from across Africa with a background in cultural policy, arts funding, mapping or documentation. They should be able to carry out desk research, check information sources and produce clear, well-organised documentation. Applicants choose a preferred regional cluster and may name a second choice, ideally the region where they have the strongest knowledge and networks. The clusters are Indian Ocean and Island States (Comoros, Madagascar, Mauritius, Seychelles), Southern Africa I (Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho, Namibia, South Africa), Southern Africa II (Malawi, Mozambique, Zambia, Zimbabwe), East Africa, Central Africa, West Africa I, West Africa II and North Africa.

Requirements

Applicants upload four separate PDF files, named according to the prescribed format using their name. Files that break the naming rule, or applications missing any of the four, are automatically discarded. The documents are a short biography of up to one page in Arial 11, a cover note on relevant experience and availability of up to one page, a description of two previous comparable assignments covering role, geographic scope and research done (one page maximum), and one research work sample showing research, mapping, publication or documentation experience.

The online form also asks for an email address, first and family name, country of legal residence, preferred clusters, and the title and web link of the work sample. A LinkedIn profile or professional website is optional. Selected candidates may be asked for proof of legal residence, such as an identification document or official registration papers.

How to apply

Complete the official online application form and upload all four PDFs. Incomplete or incorrectly formatted applications will not be reviewed.

Key dates

The deadline is 16 October 2026.