On 2 July, a jury of four independent experts in Africa–Europe cultural relations convened to evaluate the 36 eligible project proposals received.

Jury members selected the first seven Spaces of Culture projects to be supported in Sub-Saharan Africa under the wider Africa–Europe Partnerships for Culture programme.

Spaces of Culture 2025 - jury members:

• Yemisi Mokuolu - Independent Producer and Creative Industries Consultant, Founder and CEO of HATCH
• Avril Joffe - Independent professional researcher and UNESCO Chair in Cultural Entrepreneurship and Policy at the University of the Witwatersrand
• Aya Kasasa - Expert in Cultural Affairs, Migration, Demography and Urbanisation at the Organisation of African, Caribbean and Pacific States
• Ayoko Mensah, Curator, Cultural Expert and Journalist, Currently Curator at House of European History and former Coordinator of Afropolitan

The selection process was not easy, given the high quality of project proposals. All applications were assessed based on their objectives, target groups, and proposed activities. Key criteria included relevance to the local context, innovation, strength of partnerships, foreseen impact, alignment with the UN SDGs, feasibility and cost-effectiveness, and environmental sustainability.

The local ownership clearly comes through in the conceptualisation, leadership, and management of the proposed project, as well as the broad range of countries and partners on the European side. 

Avril Joffe, jury member

It is clear that professionalisation has really been taking place across the continent and it is great to see balanced partnerships in these applications.

Aya Kasasa, jury member

The discussions also explored broader issues in Africa-Europe cultural relations highlighted through the project proposals, including how to address sensitive topics, navigate dynamics of power and responsibility, and implement projects in fair and balanced ways.

It is not just about how we work together - it is also important to look at how we approach sensitive topics, how we fix things and move forwards together.

Yemisi Mokuolu, jury member

We see many projects with a multidisciplinary dimension and highly heterogeneous partnerships - this brings multiple power dynamics in different countries, which are important to explore.

Ayoko Mensah, jury member

Spaces of Culture 2025 - Selection results:

After carefully assessing and scoring all applications, the jury deliberated and selected the following projects:

• Angola – Encounter of the Congo Nation
• Kenya – Frequency Shift: Creating shared spaces through community radio
• Nigeria – Roots & Roofs: Pan African Indigenous Skills Development Program (PAID)
• Rwanda – The Creative Link: Performing Arts for Young Audience and Democracy
• Senegal – Dames Hip Hop
• South Africa – Immersive Africa: Bridging Continents Through Digital Creativity
• Togo – Urban Resonances: Puppetry and Public Performance for Youth Empowerment

The project implementation period will begin in September and run until the end of August 2026.

More details on each of the selected projects will be communicated soon.

For any questions regarding the Spaces of Culture call, please contact:
Robert Kieft at robert.kieft@eunicglobal.eu
Thoriso Moseneke at thoriso.moseneke@eunicglobal.eu