Southern Africa

The Southern Africa Component puts heritage narratives in the centre of cultural collaboration across Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho, Namibia, South Africa and Zimbabwe as well as with Europe. It thrives to build 19 international heritage narrative clusters that connect heritage organisations with artists, creative practitioners, and cultural professionals.

At the heart of the projects heritage as a living resource for shaping new narratives for identities and communities. Through co-creation, storytelling and artistic innovation, the project connects Southern Africa’s heritage narratives with audiences in meaningful and accessible ways.

By fostering collaboration across regions, disciplines and generations, theproject creates space for dynamic cultural exchange, intercultural dialogue and deeper mutual understanding between communities in Southern Africa and Europe.

Who can participate?

• Heritage organisations
• Artists and creative practitioners
• Cultural organisations and networks
• Cultural professionals working across disciplines

Objectives

• Increase visibility of cultural heritage narratives from community’s perspectives
• Facilitate collaboration between artists,cultural professionals and heritage organisations in Southern Africa and Europe.
• Expand audience reach through festivals, mobility, digital platforms and new presentation formats.
• Encourage intercultural dialogue and cross-border cooperation.

Southern Africa Component KeyFocus Areas:

The project is implemented through three interconnected strands:

1. Co-Creation of Heritage Narratives
Heritage organisations and artists jointly develop and produce creative work inspired by cultural heritage.

2. Capacity Building
Heritage organisations and artists commonly develop trainings, mentorship programs, and workshops to strengthen their skills,networks and professional reach.

3. Audience Development
Southern African heritage narratives expand their reach through presentations at festivals, touring opportunities as well digital and hybrid platforms.