We support artists, culture and media producers, and creative hubs in many countries around the world to freely express themselves. Our R.O.O.M. program specifically aims at diversifying dialogue and debate in society through the power of art to bring about structural social change.

Why is art so important?

Art and media have the power to question dominant structures in society, propose alternatives and bring about change. In fact, freedom of expression is the main measure of openness in a society. But globally, the space for free expression is shrinking, which reduces the diversity and independence of makers, media, content, channels and audiences. So R.O.O.M supports the creative work of a new generation of artists and critical content producers around the world who strive for openness and social change, while leading the resistance to shrinking civic space.

How we support art and media practitioners

R.O.O.M. provides funding for audiovisual art and media projects that challenge social issues such as LGBTI rights, police corruption, neoliberalism and outmoded gender norms, amongst others. The program organizes training events and creates resources for makers to help them become more independent, critical and sustainable, for example accelerator toolkits for creative hubs.

Together with the BOOST program, R.O.O.M. co-organizes African Crossroads, a network of future-oriented thinkers and doers who meet to exchange knowledge and critically reflect on current developments on the African continent. And the research fellowship Digital Earth – for artists who investigate our current technological reality – makes up R.O.O.M.’s Experimentation and Learning component. 

Where

Middle East and North Africa, Eastern Africa, Southern Africa

Results so far

Since its inception in 2017, R.O.O.M. has supported a variety of artists, collectives, designers, animators, musicians, and creative hubs. From a recording studio in Zanzibar mentoring young musicians, to a digital production company in Zimbabwe that tells the African narrative. From multimedia stories about sexual orientation and gender identity in Zambia, to a public education graffiti and mural campaign in Kampala. In November 2019, R.O.O.M. ran the second edition of ‘African Crossroads’, which brought more than 170 artists and designers together and produced this unique music album. In 2021, R.O.O.M partnered with a group of 21 experienced critical creatives across different mediums from East, Southern and Northern Africa to mentor younger creatives.  

Period and budget

SIDA: First phase: 2017-2019, €4.7 million Extension: 2020-2023: €4,2 milion RVO 2019-2021, €1.1 million

Partners

Over 100 partners worldwide, including creative hubs, artists, artist collectives, civil society organizations, research institutes and social enterprises.

Donors

Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (SIDA), Rijksdienst voor Ondernemend Nederland (RVO), and our strategic partner the British Council.