Supporting the Music Ecosystem in North Africa
A cross-border initiative connecting artists and cultural professionals to build a sustainable music ecosystem in North Africa.
TUNES NORTH AFRICA
TUNES North Africa is a cross-border cultural initiative designed to strengthen the music ecosystem in North Africa by fostering collaboration, mobility, and professional development among artists and cultural professionals from the region, with a particular focus on Tunisia and Libya.
The project is implemented by Akacia Productions (Tunisia), Hessa6 for Art (Libya), and Global Arts Productions, bringing together complementary expertise in music production, capacity building, and international cultural cooperation.
TUNES North Africa is supported by the Arab Fund for Arts and Culture (AFAC), through a grant from the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC).
Vision
To contribute to the emergence of a sustainable, interconnected, and inclusive music ecosystem in North Africa, where artists, cultural managers, and creative entrepreneurs can collaborate across borders, access professional opportunities, and gain international visibility.
Mission
TUNES North Africa aims to:
- Empower a new generation of cultural managers and artists in Libya and Tunisia by providing professional training, managerial tools, artistic guidance, and direct exposure to the music industry.
- Strengthen collaboration and mobility between the music sectors of the two countries through shared learning environments, co-creation opportunities, and cross-border artistic initiatives.
- Promote professional exchange between emerging talents and established actors, fostering intergenerational knowledge transfer and sectoral development.
- Encourage cross-border cooperation as a model for broader cultural integration across North Africa and the Mediterranean.
- Build long-term cultural entrepreneurship, creating sustainable pathways for employment, artistic production, and creative innovation—particularly in underserved and emerging regions.
Program Structure
As part of its next phase, TUNES is launching four calls for applications under two main components:
1. Music Management Trainings (April 2026)
Held in:
- Benghazi (Libya) – for Libyan cultural managers and music entrepreneurs
- Tunis (Tunisia) – for Tunisian cultural managers and music entrepreneurs
These intensive trainings will cover strategic planning, festival and event management, artist booking and touring logistics, budgeting, digital marketing, audience development, and international mobility strategies.
2. Artistic Residencies (May & June 2026)
Held in:
- Benghazi – May 2026 (for Libyan artists)
- Tunis – June 2026 (for Tunisian artists)
Each residency offers an immersive creative environment where artists can develop original works, experiment artistically, and, when possible, build Tunisian-Libyan collaborative projects, which are strongly encouraged across both residencies.
About the Consortium
- Akacia Productions (Tunisia): Independent music production and festival organization company with extensive experience in international programming, artist development, and capacity-building projects.
- Hessa6 for Art (Libya): Cultural organization actively supporting artistic creation, training, and community-based cultural initiatives in Libya.
- Global Arts Productions (France): International cultural production structure specializing in cross-border artistic cooperation and professional exchange.
Open Calls – TUNES North Africa (Training & Artistic Residencies)
TUNES North Africa launches its Open Calls for Training Programs and Artistic Residencies for participants from Tunisia and Libya.
TUNES is a cross-border cultural program designed to strengthen collaboration, professional exchange, and artistic creation between the music ecosystems of Tunisia and Libya. Through a combination of capacity-building, artistic research, and hands-on experience, the program supports emerging cultural managers and artists in developing sustainable careers and original projects within a shared regional framework.
These Open Calls invite two distinct profiles to apply:
- cultural managers, music professionals, and practitioners interested in participating in music management and cultural training programs, and
- musicians and sound artists seeking to take part in artistic residencies dedicated to research, creation, and experimentation.
Both components are implemented through parallel calls for Tunisia and Libya, adapted to local contexts while sharing common objectives: fostering cross-border dialogue, encouraging mobility, and building long-term professional and artistic connections across the region.
Selected participants will benefit from structured training or residency periods, mentorship from regional and international experts, peer exchange, and integration into the wider TUNES North Africa network. Projects and profiles that demonstrate openness to collaboration and regional exchange are particularly encouraged.
Applicants are invited to consult the specific Open Call corresponding to their country of residence and type of program (Training or Artistic Residency) for detailed eligibility criteria, timelines, and application procedures.
Open Call for Training Programs (Tunisia & Libya)
Open Call: 28th Jan 2026
Dealine : 28th Feb 2026
TUNES launches an Open Call for its Music Management and Cultural Training Programs in Tunisia and Libya.
This open call is addressed to emerging cultural managers, music professionals, artists, and young practitioners who wish to strengthen their skills in the music sector and gain hands-on experience within a structured, international cultural program.
Through intensive training sessions, mentorship, and practical learning, the program aims to equip participants with the tools needed to design, manage, and develop sustainable music and cultural projects, while fostering professional exchange between Tunisia and Libya.
The training programs are implemented through two parallel calls, one for Tunisian applicants and one for Libyan applicants, each adapted to its local context while sharing a common regional vision. Selected participants will join a cross-border learning environment, connect with peers and experts, and become part of a growing North African cultural network.
Applicants are invited to consult the relevant call corresponding to their country of residence for detailed eligibility criteria and application procedures.
Open Call for Artistic Residencies (Tunisia & Libya)
Open Call: 28th Jan 2026
Dealine : 28th Feb 2026
TUNES launches an Open Call for Artistic Residencies for musicians and sound artists from Tunisia and Libya.
This open call is designed to support artistic research, creation, and experimentation, offering selected artists dedicated time, space, and professional guidance to develop original musical projects.
The residencies aim to encourage creative exchange, strengthen artistic dialogue between Tunisia and Libya, and contribute to the emergence of new voices within the regional music scene. Participants will benefit from mentorship, peer exchange, and a supportive environment tailored to artistic exploration and innovation.
The artistic residencies are implemented through two parallel calls, one for Tunisian artists and one for Libyan artists, each taking place in a different context while sharing common artistic and regional objectives. Projects involving cross-border collaboration are particularly encouraged.
Artists are invited to consult the call corresponding to their country of residence for full details on eligibility, residency conditions, and application requirements.