A. PROGRAM DESCRIPTION The Public Diplomacy (PD) section at the U.S. Embassy Zimbabwe under the U.S. Department of State announces an open competition for applications to enhance the scope, reach and cultural diversity of Zimbabwean arts festivals and awards ceremonies. The PD section invites proposals from registered festivals and awards organizations across Zimbabwe to design and implement exchanges that facilitate creative and cultural collaboration between Zimbabwean and American artists, arts institutions, and audiences. The program should empower Zimbabwean festivals and/or awards organizations to build connections with U.S. counterparts while strengthening festival administration and awards events. This program will expand opportunities to promote diversity of cultural expression; develop festivals’ and/or awards organizations’ institutional capacity and competitiveness. A compulsory component of all proposals is collaboration with U.S artists, art directors and/or creative organizations. All program proposals must have a strong, central, element or connection with American expert(s), organization(s), or institution(s) (separate from involvement with the U.S. Mission or its American Corners), and increase understanding of U.S. values, perspectives, and policies. The partnerships should be mutually beneficial and reinforcing. Opportunities for engagement and partnerships can be virtual, in person, or a combination of both. The PD section will support new or existing festivals or awards events but will prioritize support for festivals and events that demonstrate sustainability and longevity. Confirmed partners are not compulsory at the application stage; however, applicants must describe how the U.S. component will enhance the festival or award event. Indications of targeted artists and partners are sufficient for shortlisting. Theory of Change: If the Zimbabwean creative community builds networks with U.S. creative enterprises, and equips practitioners with skills and knowledge, they would be better positioned to build a professional and financially sustainable creative industry. This program supports the U.S. Department of State’s Public Diplomacy efforts to build a more stable, inclusive economy for the Zimbabwe creative industry. This program supports the U.S. Department of State’s Public Diplomacy efforts to build a more stable, inclusive economy for Zimbabwe’s creative industries. Program Objectives: All proposals must meet the following objectives: · Participation of American artists, art directors, managers, or arts groups to perform and provide technical support at local festivals or awards events and engage in community activities that promote enhanced cultural understanding between Zimbabwean and U.S. audiences. · Enhance the development of Zimbabwe’s arts, culture, and heritage festivals or awards events in terms of cultural diversity, inclusion, and professionalism. · Build collaboration and networks between Zimbabwe and U.S. artists and creative enterprises, with an emphasis on long-term relationships and sustainability. · Partnerships should facilitate creation of festival or awards events content that attracts and retains significant and diverse audiences in an equitable manner between Zimbabwe and the United States. Proposals can also include the following deliverables: Equip festival managers and arts administrators with skills and knowledge to build sustainable festivals or awards, champion cultural exchanges, and contribute to enhanced professionalization of the festivals network in Zimbabwe. Safeguard and celebrate cultural heritage, identity, and diversity. The PD Section encourages festival activities and awards events that profile and promote defined elements of Zimbabwean and American communities’ cultural expression. Projects should contribute to the sustainability of local level creative economies and increased citizen participation in their communities. For program proposals that include elements of in-person travel between Zimbabwe and the United States, or other international locations, travel should include flexibility in planning to adjust given the constantly evolving global and local restrictions related to COVID-19. Participants and Audiences: Proposals must engage with Zimbabwean festivals and/or award events as well as audiences. Programs can promote inclusivity by targeting women, youth, people living with disabilities, and rural communities. B. FEDERAL AWARD INFORMATION Length of performance period: 12-18 months from date of award. Anticipated program start date: March-December 2023 Funding Instrument Type: Grant, Fixed Amount Award THIS NOTICE IS SUBJECT TO AVAILABILITY OF FUNDING D. APPLICATION AND SUBMISSION INFORMATION To Request Application Package: Email
[email protected]; an automatic reply with the application forms will be sent. Forms are also available at www.grants.gov Submission Dates and Times PD Harare will accept proposals starting November 1, 2022. All applicants should submit their proposals prior to January 31, 2023 for consideration. Other Submission Requirements All application materials may be emailed to
[email protected] (with “ZACHEF Grant Proposal” in the subject line). E. APPLICATION REVIEW INFORMATION Review and Selection Process Applications are reviewed on a competitive basis by the Public Diplomacy Grants Committee. Organizations whose applications are not selected for funding will be notified via email no later than September 30, 2023. All qualified proposals will remain on file for up to 12 months for the committee for consideration at any time, if funds become available. If you wish to receive an update on the status of your proposal, please email
[email protected] with the Subject line: “Request for Update on my Submitted Proposal [Title/Date of submission].” Administrative and U.S. National Policy Requirements Terms and Conditions: Before submitting an application, applicants should review all the terms and conditions and required certifications which will apply to this award, to ensure that they will be able to comply. These include: · 2 CFR 200, 2 CFR 600, Certifications and Assurances, and the Department of State Standard Terms and Conditions, all of which are available at: https://www.state.gov/m/a/ope/index.htm. · Note the U.S. Flag branding and marking requirements in the Standard Terms and Conditions. G. FEDERAL AWARDING AGENCY CONTACTS If you have any questions about the grant application process, please contact PD Harare at
[email protected] . Note: Once an application has been submitted, State Department officials and staff — both in the Department and at embassies overseas — may not discuss this competition with applicants until the entire proposal review process is completed.