The Kuonyesha Art Fund | How to Apply
Call for Applications: Kuonyesha Art Fund for Artists and Creatives in Africa
Deadline: May 11, 2025
Are you an artist or creative living and working in Africa? The Kuonyesha Art Fund is now accepting applications for small grants to support, nurture, and develop the arts in Uganda and across Africa.
This fund empowers artists to improve the quality of their work and deepen their influence on society and public life. True to its name—Kuonyesha, which means to show in Swahili—the fund is about spotlighting, elevating, and celebrating African creativity.
Managed by CIVFUND, a platform committed to strengthening civil society, the Kuonyesha Art Fund is one of its core initiatives. The program is dynamic, inclusive, and continuously evolving—drawing lessons directly from artists, the field, and its advisory partners.
The Fund’s Mission
The overall goal? To support, promote, and celebrate art and artists in all their forms across Africa.
Whether you’re an established artist, an emerging creative, or someone needing a push to launch an unfinished project, this grant could be for you. If you’re exploring new art forms or seeking funding to amplify your work, consider this your call to action.
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Who Can Apply for the Kuonyesha Art Fund?
The fund is open to:
- All artists and creatives living in Africa
- Female artists and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply
- Minors may apply under the guidance of an adult
- Established artists who can demonstrate impact and financial responsibility
- Emerging artists who need a boost to move their work forward
- Artists seeking support for training, research, or equipment to improve their craft
You must be a citizen, permanent resident, or currently living in any African country to apply.
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Eligibility Requirements for the Kuonyesha Art Fund
The Kuonyesha Art Fund supports a wide range of artistic disciplines, including:
- Visual Arts (painting, sculpture, crafts, etc.)
- Fashion and product design
- Literature and publishing
- Audio-visual arts, including graphics, animation, and new media
- Dance, music, and theatre
- Film and photography
- Folklore and spoken word
- Arts research
- Multidisciplinary projects
- Public exhibitions, publications, and art dissemination
The fund prioritizes projects that:
- Explore original and urgent social or political issues
- Engage with new or broader audiences within Africa
- Encourage collaboration with communities, activists, or other sectors
- Reimagine artistic spaces and challenge the status quo
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Selection Criteria
Applications will be evaluated based on:
- Originality and quality
- Feasibility of the proposed project
- Technical skill and thematic depth
- Engagement with societal issues
- Potential for impact and audience connection
Artists must be prepared to take up the grant within the cycle year and follow guidelines outlined in the award details.
The Kuonyesha Art Fund believes in your story, your vision, and your voice. Submit your application by May 11, 2025, and take your art to the next level.
