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Museums in the service of development (2007-2010)

Call for projects (2008)

Within the framework of the 3-year programme ‘Museums in the Service of Development’ (Msd), EPA is pleased to announce the 3rd Call for Projects. The Msd programme's objective is to increase use and visitation of museums through the development of innovative ideas.

The Call for Projects is open to all countries in sub-Saharan Africa, although project proposals must be submitted in either French or English.

1. Who can submit a project?

• Public (eg. national), Private and Community museums
• Non-governmental organisations working with museums and/or heritage, if the proposed project is implemented in partnership with a museum(s) or school(s)

Joint projects involving more than one museum are particularly encouraged.

2. What kinds of projects are supported?

EPA encourages innovative projects that will promote:

• the Educational impact of the museum through the 'My Museum... My school' concept: “My museum... My school” aims to improve museum-school partnerships (eg. interactive exhibitions/public programmes, publication of educational material, educational programmes promoting heritage, etc.) and reinforce the role of museums as centres of learning and entertainment. This concept also seeks to enhance the institutional and professional capacities in the heritage sector in Africa.

• the Scientific and cultural impact of the museum (eg. development or renovation of permanent exhibitions, development of temporary or travelling exhibitions, development of interavtive multimedia tools, etc.).

Projects in this category are encouraged in 2008.

• Improved marketing and management of the museum through new products (eg. development of publicity and promotional materials: merchandise, publications, websites; settingup or improvement of museum shops, improvement of arts and crafts production; letting of conference rooms or leasing of cafeterias, etc.). Projects in this category should aim to ensure greater financial autonomy to the requiring institution.
Innovative initiatives such as 'cultural banks' are also welcome.

All projects submitted must state, in comparison to initial data, the expected impact of the project on:
- the increase in the number of visitors to the institution, in particular regarding schoolchildren
- the increase in financial resources of the institution.

Important notice: The programme does not support construction or building rehabilitation, purchase of vehicles. It does not support long-term activities without a guarantee of sustainability.

The maximum amount of any grant is 25,000 euros.

3. When and how to submit proposals?

The Selection Committee, comprised of international heritage and education professionals, will meet in April and September 2008. Project proposals must be received by 15th March and 31st July 2008. All applicants will be notified of the selection results immediately following the committee meeting.

Proposal MUST be submitted in the approved ‘Project Presentation Form’, which can be found at:
http://www.epa-prema.net/english/activities/projects/project_presentation_form.doc

Please note: projects proposals that do not respect the guidelines and do not include ALL the required documentation, will not be considered.

Proposals can be submitted post, fax or email, in English (with a summary in French) or French.

4. How is the follow up of selected projects ensured?

The implementation of selected projects is subject to a signed agreement between EPA and the implementing agent. A technical and financial follow-up will be ensured by experts appointed by EPA.

5. Where to submit proposals?

Please submit proposals no later than 15th March 2008 or 31st July 2008:

EPA – Ecole du Patrimoine Africain
Msd
01 B.P. 2205 Porto-Novo
BENIN
Tel.: (+229) 20 21 48 38
Fax: (+229) 20 21 21 09
Email:

For more information, contact:
Mr Edouard Koutinhouin:
or visit EPA's website:
http://www.epa-prema.net/english/