Call for concepts: Creative expression in Malawi, Zambia and Zimbabwe | WestMac Media

Hivos Southern Africa is seeking concept notes from artistic collectives, creative hubs and groups of content creators in the audio-visual sector in order to support the production of more independent work and content and to support those initiatives to become more independent, self-sufficient and to reach larger audiences.

This open call is directed to initiatives who are currently based in the following Southern African countries: Malawi, Zambia and Zimbabwe. Besides artistic imagination, the production of independent and conscious work that challenges or questions norms in society will be an important factor in the awarding of grants. 

1. Eligibility Criteria for Applicants. 

This call is primary directed to: Entities that are or are representing communities of makers and content creators in the audio-visual sector such as: creative spaces, groups of artists, music studios, hubs, cafés, art spaces, art galleries, independent production houses, networks of artists and producers, online platforms, collectives, co-working spaces focusing on the creative industry. 

Entities should be working with content producers that are working in one or more of the following audio-visual sectors: 

• Graphic Design 

• Fashion Design 

• Comics / Cartoons 

• Animation 

• Poetry / Slam poetry / Spoken word

• Storytelling 

• Music 

• Rap / Hip hop 

• DJ-ing 

• VJ-ing 

• Radio shows/ Radio Series/ Pod-casts 

• TV show / TV series/ Online channels 

• Short film / video 

• Feature film / Documentary 

• Vlogging
• Visual Art (Painting, Drawing, 

• Printmaking, Digital Art) 

• Sculpture (objects) 

• Mixed media installations 

• Performance Virtual reality 

• Videogame 

• Other (specify) 

Entities should make use of digital means (online platforms) to strategically distribute their content to their audiences. (eg through online channels as youtube, spotify etc.). 

Entities should produce content/work that aims to show alternative viewpoints on big issues affecting society that challenges or question certain norms in society. This content/work should enhance public debate through enabling alternative viewpoints to mainstream societal narratives. This type of work is often called socially engaged work or conscious work. 

Eligible countries: Malawi, Zambia, Zimbabwe. 

The requested amount should be between 7.500 and 20.000EUR over a three (3) to six (6) month period 

2. How the Concept Notes will be reviewed and processed: The following are the steps that will be undertaken by Hivos Southern Africa to review the concept notes and determine the awarding of grants: 

1: Step 1: Submission of concept notes; Deadline Wednesday 15 November 2017. 

2: Step 2: Review and Selection of received concepts by a Hivos Southern Africa grants selection committee: Monday 20 November 2017. (Grant Recipients will be notified shortly after). 

3: Step 3: Capacity assessments of selected applicants on organizational and financial eligibility; Friday 24 November 2017. 

4: Step 4: Co-creation process with Hivos team of the final proposal/ activities Thursday 30 November 2017. 

5: Step 5: Contracting: November/December. 

3. Format of Concept Notes

Applications are accepted in English.
The concept notes must be no more than 3 pages with the following sections:
• Name of the entity, focus country/countries and representative that will sign the agreement if the grant is awarded. 

• Start and estimated end date of the project. 

• The requested amount (In EUR). 

• Short description of your work/ practice and the mission of your organization. 

• One (1) example of a previous creative work that was produced by you or one of the members of your organization that provides alternative points of view on big issues affecting society and that challenges or questions a certain norm in society. 

• Brief outline of what you would like to do with the grant. Try to be as concrete as possible. Please describe how the project is challenging norms in society. 

• Brief outline of proposed activities, including a simple schedule, time frame or step to step list. 

4. Deadline and other Requirements 

The deadline for submissions is Wednesday 15 November 2017. Applicants must ensure that their concept notes are in word or pdf format and are clearly marked with the title: "Call for concepts: Creative expression in 21st Century Malawi, Zambia and Zimbabwe". All applications must be sent to the following email address: proposals.hubsaf@hivos.org