As a result of a successful application cycle for the ignite Culture grant in 2021, we are happy to announce a shortlist of 20 creative and Cultural businesses from across Eastern Africa. A total of 2.5 Million euros has been committed to these businesses who are now in the final stages of financial and capacity assessment, and contracting. Congratulations to each each and every shortlisted business for making it this far! We look forwad to being part of your impact journey.
Meet our Cycle 1 applicant shortlist below:
Shortlist from Uganda:
Bold in Africa is a retail outlet housing up-and coming designers from across the African continent.Their proposed use of funds is for business clinics and digital marketing programme,as well as the development of an e-commerce platform for fashio;
32° East /Ugandan Arts Trust is an independent non-profit focused on the creation an exploration of contemporary art.Their proposal focuses on studio equipment and an international residency programme;and
Siima Africa Creative Arts foundation is a non-profit using creative & digital arts to empower sexual minority groups,refugees and womxn.Their proposed use of funds will focus on artist training and policy dialogue sessions.
Shortlist from Tanzania:
Culture and Development East Africa(CDEA) is a creative think tank that provides cultural and pan-African thought leadership for creatives,social and scientific innovators .Any funds awarded will be used fir a creative economy incubation and accelerator initiative.Their project is in partnership with Naledi Fashion Tanzania and the African Animation Network;
Nafasi Art Space is a vibrant art centre and platform for artistic exchange.Their proposal focus is in artist capacity building,mentorship and storytelling showcases;and
Busara promotions is a non-profit that works to promote music from East Africa.Their proposed use of funds is toward perfomance,mentorship and festival management opportunities for the women at the Sauti Za Busara festival.
Shortlist from Sudan.
Sobajo Art Centre for women specialises in the production of creative handicrafts with a particular focus on providing tools,training and financing for women and youth who have been internally displaced by war in Sudan.Any granted funds will be used for Craftspersons training in basket weaving;
Omer Asim is a womenswear fashion brand working at the intersection of design and culture,Their proposed use of funds is for perfume making using traditional Sudanese techniques.
Shortlist from Somalia
Rift Valley Institute(RVI) is an independent non-profit that combines action-oriented research with education and public information.Their proposal for the purpose of this grant facility focuses on an artist development programme.
Shortlist from Kenya:
Book Bunk Trust is a social impact frim that works to restore public libraries.Any funds awarded from the Ignite Culture grant wil be put towards public programming,building a historical archive and developing a partnership toolkit;
Za Kikwetu Productions Ltd is an audio-visual production house in Nairobi,whose proposal focuses on cultural heritage and podcasting;
Avandu Vosi Studio is a group of artists who storytell through comics,illustrations and animations.Their proposal focuses on heritage and the publication of a comic book;
Saba Studios is a design lab and manufacturer of indoor and outdoor furniture,inspired by the rich story of Swahili furniture and Culture.Their proposed use of funds is for craftperson education and professional development;
Bomas of Kenya is a state agency that works to preserve,maintain,educate and promote the diverse cultures of various ethnic groups in Kenya.Through the Ignite Culture grant they plan to put together a collection and interactive showcase of indigenous music;
BlackRhino VR is a virtual reality production company that develops online content through the power of virtual reality technology.They plan to focus on an augmented reality platform;
StandUp Collective is growing a comedy club culture in Kenya,in order to create a community of comedians and comedy lovers.Through the Ignite Culture grant they plan yo run a series of stand up comedy workshopd and showcases,as well as further network development.
Muthoni Music Entertainment focuses on music performance and training.Their project will focus on artistic and business skills incubation.
Shortlist from Rwanda:
Imbuto Foundation started off with a single project and has sinced evolved into managing over twenty projects in health,educatio and youth empowerment that are aligned to tha national priorities.Their proposed use of funds is focuses on identifying and supporting youth in the creative arts.
Shortlist from Mauritius:
Move for Art is an independent agency specialised in arts and culture events and consultancy.Through the Ignite Culture grant they plan to develop spaces for multidisciplinary arts and art residencies.
Shortlist from Ethiopia:
Whiz Kids workshops is a female-led innovative enterprise that focuses on improving the lives of children and youth through educational media.Their proposed project focuses on an animated series aimed at girls,a digital distribution platform and development of a web app.
Ignite Culture:ACP0EU Culture programme(EA) plans to announce our final list of grantees from the 2021 application cycle in the coming weeks.Stay tuned on our website and social media pages!