Des mots à la scène by Institut français funds new French-language theater projects by underrepresented Francophone artists, supporting creation from writing to performance and promoting diverse, contemporary themes.
Funder: Institut français
Due Dates: July 11, 2025 | July 14, 2025 | August 31, 2026
Funding Amounts: €10,000 average per project (range: €8,000–€14,000); ~15 projects awarded per year; total annual pool: €150,000
Summary: Supports new French-language theater productions by underrepresented Francophone playwrights and companies, with a focus on diversity and international reach.
Key Information: Applicants must be based in Africa, overseas territories, or the Francophone diaspora in France and have at least one professional partner.
This program, led by the Institut français in partnership with the Ministry of Culture, aims to champion contemporary French-language playwriting by supporting the creation and production of new dramatic works from conception through performance. The initiative targets directors, playwrights, companies, and collectives residing in Africa, overseas territories, or the Francophone diaspora in France. It seeks to address the underrepresentation of Francophone authors on the global stage, foster new and diverse voices, and encourage works that engage with major contemporary themes such as migration, decolonization, gender equality, and eco-responsibility. Selected projects receive both financial and technical support, including guidance through all phases of production (research, writing, creation, and distribution) and access to international networks.