Apply Now: Support for Digital Works Grant Program

The Indian Ocean Commission has launched the “Digital Works Support – Cycle III” grant call under its regional Cultural and Creative Industries project. Funded by the French Development Agency, the programme offers grants of up to €11,000 for digital cultural projects that promote the heritage and cultural diversity of the Indian Ocean region, with applications open until 14 October 2026. The call supports original and innovative digital works, immersive or interactive cultural experiences, video games, digitization of collections and archives, and projects using virtual reality, augmented reality, artificial intelligence, 3D modelling, or other digital technologies to preserve, reinterpret, and improve access to the cultural heritage of the Indian Ocean region. Priority is given to projects promoting gender equality, women’s participation and leadership, professional opportunities for women, and recognition of women’s knowledge, stories, heritage, and contributions to regional culture. The programme seeks to develop digital cultural works and dissemination tools that make the Indian Ocean region’s diverse cultural content more accessible. It supports projects that use innovative media to preserve, transmit, reinterpret, and promote regional cultural heritage, including initiatives that encourage intergenerational transmission. The grant forms part of a broader Cultural and Creative Industries project that seeks structural progress toward gender equality in the cultural sector.

The call has two principal objectives:

Particular attention will be given to projects that advance equality through the full participation and inclusion of women. Applicants may request a grant of up to €11,000. The exact amount awarded to each successful applicant is not specified in the source and may depend on the approved activities and budget.

Examples of eligible expenses include:

Applicants should consult the official guidelines for the complete list of eligible and ineligible expenses.

Applications may be submitted by:

Individual and organizational applicants must be from and reside in one of the following eligible countries: Applicants must be directly responsible for preparing and managing the proposed project and cannot act as intermediaries. Applicants must not have previously received funding through any grant scheme under the Cultural and Creative Industries project. Applicants must also comply with the rules of the Indian Ocean Commission and the French Development Agency and must not be subject to national or international restrictions or sanctions imposed by technical and financial partners. The initial duration of a proposed activity must be at least three months and no longer than 12 months. The following types of activities may qualify for support: Projects using advanced technology must respect intellectual property rights, third-party rights, and all applicable laws and regulations. Special consideration will be given to projects that: The following activities are not eligible: Applicants should not treat this call as a conventional film, documentary, music, or promotional video production fund. The grant provides artists, cultural organizations, and digital creators with resources to preserve and reinterpret the cultural heritage of the Indian Ocean region through innovative technologies. Its focus on immersive media, interactive experiences, video games, digitization, virtual reality, augmented reality, artificial intelligence, and 3D modelling encourages new approaches to cultural preservation and public access. The programme also connects digital cultural innovation with gender equality by encouraging women’s leadership, employment, visibility, and creative participation. Applicants should complete the following steps: Applicants seeking clarification must send their questions by 2 October 2026. The grant reference should be included in the email subject line.

Questions may be sent to:

The application package must include:

Documents may be submitted as originals, photocopies, or readable scanned versions containing the necessary signatures, dates, and stamps. Applicants may combine multiple supporting documents into a single PDF to simplify the submission process. Who manages and finances the programme? The Indian Ocean Commission manages the call through its Cultural and Creative Industries project, which is funded by the French Development Agency. What is the maximum grant amount? Applicants may request up to €11,000. Which countries are eligible? Eligible applicants must be from and reside in the Union of the Comoros, Madagascar, Mauritius, Seychelles, or Mozambique. When is the application deadline? Applications must be submitted by 14 October 2026. The precise closing time and time zone are not specified in the source. How long can a proposed project last? The initial project duration must be between three and 12 months. Are films and documentaries eligible? No. Fiction films, documentaries, series, and short films are explicitly excluded. Can an applicant apply after previously receiving an ICC project grant? No. Applicants who have already received a grant through any scheme under the Cultural and Creative Industries project are ineligible. The Digital Works Support – Cycle III programme provides grants of up to €11,000 for innovative cultural projects using digital technology to preserve, reinterpret, and improve access to the heritage of the Indian Ocean region. Eligible individuals and organizations should prepare a complete application, demonstrate direct responsibility for project delivery, integrate relevant gender-equality considerations, and submit through the online form by 14 October 2026. For more information, visit Indian Ocean Commission.