African artists and cultural organizations can rely on the support of the African Culture Fund (ACF). In addition to financial assistance, the fund contributes to the professionalization of artists and cultural entrepreneurs through its ACF ACADEMY program. With the support of the DOEN Foundation, ACF will continue in the coming years to enrich the collective and radical imagination. Artists create new images and narratives to unveil a different future to the world.
Space for imagination
Founded in 2018 by African artists and cultural entrepreneurs, the African Culture Fund (ACF) is the first fund dedicated to supporting artists, artistic projects, and cultural institutions across the continent. These initiatives foster reflection and provide individuals with a space to unleash their imagination and shape their life choices. In addition to financing creative projects, ACF organizes webinars, expert meetings, and boot camps, particularly on cultural entrepreneurship.
"The African Culture Fund (ACF) reaches a vast number of artists, institutions, and local communities. DOEN could never reach such a wide audience on its own. ACF provides them with essential support and a platform for artistic collaboration." – Geerte Wachter, Programme Manager at the DOEN Foundation
ACF Academy
In addition to funding, ACF manages the ACF Academy, which offers training programs and boot camps for the development, networking, and professionalization of artists and cultural institutions. This initiative helps strengthen local expertise in the African cultural sector.
Variety and connection
ACF ensures balanced representation of men and women in the projects it supports, as well as linguistic and geographical diversity across Africa. To achieve this, the fund relies on ambassadors and focal points in different countries, rotating juries composed of local experts for each region, and the organization of training programs in various cities. ACF also promotes cultural exchanges across the continent, strengthening connections between African cultures—an essential mission on such a vast and diverse territory.
In the capillaries of society
DOEN supports local funds like ACF that provide grants. Through their work, these funds reach artists and institutions that DOEN could not support on its own. Moreover, DOEN considers it essential that decisions are made by local experts and that knowledge and expertise grow within the funds themselves. ACF is a strategic partner for DOEN, as it is deeply rooted in Africa, has a strong understanding of the sector, and can anticipate its developments. It also serves as an advisor to DOEN.
The DOEN Foundation supports African Culture Fund thanks to the participants of the Postcode Loterij.
