The UNESCO-Aschberg Programme, in partnership with On the Move, has opened applications for the 2027 Call for Researchers to update the Cultural Mobility Funding Guide: Focus on Africa. The opportunity seeks experienced researchers from across Africa to map funding opportunities for artists and cultural professionals within designated regional clusters.
Supported by the Kingdom of Norway, the initiative contributes to improving access to reliable information on cultural mobility funding across the African continent. Researchers with strong experience in mapping, documentation and information gathering are invited to apply before 16 October 2026.
About the Research Opportunity
The selected researchers will contribute to updating the Cultural Mobility Funding Guide: Focus on Africa (2027), a key resource documenting grants, residencies, travel funds and other mobility opportunities available to artists and cultural professionals.
The project is coordinated by On the Move under the UNESCO-Aschberg Programme and focuses on collecting, verifying and documenting funding information across different African regions.
Regional Clusters Available
Applicants must select a preferred regional cluster and may optionally indicate a second preference.
Available clusters include:
- Indian Ocean & 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
- North Africa
Researchers are encouraged to choose the region where they possess the strongest knowledge, networks and research experience.
Who Should Apply?
The call is intended for researchers with demonstrated experience in cultural policy, arts funding, mapping or documentation. Applicants should be capable of conducting desk research, verifying information sources and producing clear, well-organized documentation.
Successful candidates will be expected to demonstrate previous experience in research and information gathering through their application materials.
Required Application Documents
Applicants must upload four separate PDF documents. Files that do not follow the required naming convention or fail to include all four documents will be automatically discarded.
The required documents are:
- Short Biography (maximum one page, Arial 11)
- Cover Note outlining relevant experience and availability (maximum one page)
- Two Previous Comparable Assignments describing the applicant’s role, geographic scope and research undertaken (maximum one page)
- One Research Work Sample demonstrating research, mapping, publication or documentation experience
Each file must follow the prescribed naming format using the applicant’s name.
Additional Information Required
Applicants will also need to provide:
- Email address
- First and family name
- Country of legal residence
- LinkedIn profile or professional website (optional)
- Preferred regional cluster(s)
- Title and web link for the submitted work sample
Proof of legal residence may be requested from selected candidates through an identification document or official registration documentation.
Why This Opportunity Matters
The Cultural Mobility Funding Guide is an important resource supporting artists, cultural practitioners and creative organisations across Africa. By contributing to its 2027 edition, researchers will help improve access to funding information and strengthen cultural exchange opportunities throughout the continent.
The opportunity is particularly relevant for researchers working in arts and culture, cultural policy, international mobility, heritage, creative industries and related fields.
How to Apply
Interested researchers should complete the official online application form and upload all four required PDF documents before the deadline. Applicants should carefully follow the document naming instructions, as incomplete or incorrectly formatted applications will not be reviewed.
Application Deadline: 16 October 2026
Programme: UNESCO-Aschberg Call for Researchers 2027
Project: Cultural Mobility Funding Guide – Focus on Africa
Coordinated by: On the Move
Supported by: UNESCO-Aschberg Programme and the Kingdom of Norway
