CFAs: Storytelling and Artistic Commission Grants

Deadline: 28-Aug-2026

The Storytelling and Artistic Commission Grants support creative entrepreneurs in Nigeria, Kenya, and South Africa to develop projects exploring digital rights, privacy, Big Tech, and the impact of technology on African life. The program offers 20 storytelling grants of $5,000 each and 5 artistic commissions of $2,000 each, with a focus on advancing social, economic, and gender justice. What Are the Storytelling and Artistic Commission Grants? The Storytelling and Artistic Commission Grants are an opportunity from CcHub Creative Economy for African creative entrepreneurs using storytelling and artistic expression to explore technology and its social impact. The programme recognizes the growing influence of digital technologies on everyday life across Africa. It seeks creative projects that examine issues such as digital rights, privacy, technology access, Big Tech, online experiences, and the social consequences of technological change. The grants are intended to use creative expression as a tool for public engagement, awareness, and positive change. Grant Amount The programme provides two types of funding:

20 Storytelling Grants: $5,000 each

5 Artistic Commission Grants: $2,000 each

Applicants should propose projects that can clearly demonstrate how storytelling, artistic production, or digital creativity can contribute to conversations around technology and justice. What Projects Are Supported? Priority is given to creative projects that explore the relationship between technology and African society. Projects should use creative approaches to communicate complex digital issues to wider audiences. Who Is Eligible? The programme is open to creative entrepreneurs based in Nigeria, Kenya, or South Africa. Eligible creative professionals may include: Filmmakers Podcasters Digital creators Animators Digital artists Immersive experience designers Other creative entrepreneurs working with relevant storytelling or artistic formats Applicants should be able to demonstrate the creative capacity and experience necessary to develop and deliver their proposed project. Why This Grant Matters Technology is increasingly influencing how people work, communicate, access information, participate in society, and exercise their rights. Creative storytelling can make these complex issues easier to understand and encourage broader public discussion. The programme therefore uses film, podcasts, animation, digital art, immersive experiences, and other creative formats to examine technology through an African perspective. The broader goal is to contribute to: Greater awareness of digital rights Stronger conversations around privacy and technology The proposal should explain the story, artistic concept, or creative intervention and how it will address the selected digital rights or technology theme.

Step 4: Demonstrate Social Impact

Explain how the project will contribute to conversations around social justice, economic justice, gender justice, or digital rights.

Step 5: Submit the Proposal

Applicants should follow the official application requirements provided by CcHub Creative Economy and ensure that their submission meets the eligibility and project criteria. Tips for a Strong Application Applicants can strengthen their proposals by: Choosing a clear and specific technology-related issue. Presenting an original African perspective. Explaining why the issue matters to a particular community. Using an engaging and appropriate creative format. Demonstrating relevant creative experience. Clearly explaining the expected audience and impact. Connecting the project to digital rights or social, economic, and gender justice. Keeping the proposed project realistic within the available grant amount. Common Mistakes to Avoid

Applicants should avoid:

Submitting projects unrelated to digital rights or technology. Providing a broad concept without a clear story or creative approach. Failing to explain the project’s social impact. Proposing activities that cannot realistically be completed with the available funding. Applying without demonstrating relevant creative experience. Focusing solely on technology without addressing its effect on people, communities, or society. Frequently Asked Questions Who can apply for the Storytelling and Artistic Commission Grants? Creative entrepreneurs based in Nigeria, Kenya, and South Africa can apply. Eligible creative fields include filmmaking, podcasting, digital creation, animation, immersive experiences, and digital art. How much funding is available? There are 20 Storytelling Grants of $5,000 each and 5 Artistic Commission Grants of $2,000 each. What topics should projects address? Projects should explore digital rights, privacy, Big Tech, technology’s impact on African life, or related issues that contribute to social, economic, or gender justice. Can filmmakers and podcasters apply? Yes. Filmmakers and podcasters are specifically identified among the eligible creative entrepreneurs, alongside digital creators, animators, immersive experience designers, and digital artists. Which countries are eligible? The opportunity is open to creative entrepreneurs based in Nigeria, Kenya, and South Africa. What is the main purpose of the programme? The programme uses storytelling and artistic expression to create awareness and encourage positive change around digital rights and technology, while advancing social, economic, and gender justice. How many grants will be awarded? The programme will provide 25 awards in total: 20 storytelling grants and 5 artistic commissions. Conclusion The Storytelling and Artistic Commission Grants provide creative entrepreneurs in Nigeria, Kenya, and South Africa with funding to explore how technology is changing African societies. With grants of up to $5,000 for storytelling projects and $2,000 for artistic commissions, the programme offers an opportunity to combine creative practice with digital rights advocacy and social, economic, and ge