CALL FOR APPLICATIONS GRANTS FOR SYRIAN ARTISTS
CALL FOR APPLICATIONS
GRANTS FOR SYRIAN ARTISTS
The British Council is delighted to announce the call for proposals for its ‘Grants for Syrian Artists’ fund for 2013-14.
The conflict in Syria, and the resulting displacement of its population, has had a profound effect on Syrian cultural life.
For more than 30 years, the British Council has played a major role in building cultural bridges between the UK and Syria, and in supporting an active and pluralist arts scene in the country. This grants programme aims to build on that record by supporting the many Syrian artists who have been forced to leave Syria and continue their work outside the country.
The programme reflects the British Council’s belief in the right to free expression and in the power of art to inspire social change. Specifically, it will look to support artistic initiatives – involving any art form – that develop new or existing networks; that raise awareness and solidarity among refugee host communities; and that record or represent the very best of Syrian culture.
As a sign of our long-term commitment to the Syrian cultural sector, successful applicants will be invited to join a closed Facebook group moderated by the British Council – in order to provide support through the duration of the grant contract and beyond. We may also explore opportunities in future to support selected applicants with further learning and exposure in the UK and Europe.
Please see below for more information on selection criteria and how to apply.
CALL FOR APPLICATIONS: GRANTS FOR SYRIAN ARTISTS 1
GUIDANCE FOR APPLYING TO ‘GRANTS FOR SYRIAN ARTISTS’
WHAT IS THE SIZE OF THE GRANTS BEING AWARDED?
Grants will be between UK £1000 and £3000 per successful applicant. Applicants are required to specify the amount of the grant being requested and to explain, in as much detail as possible, what they intend to spend the grant money on.
HOW WILL SUCCESSFUL PROPOSALS BE SELECTED?
Successful proposals will be selected based on how strongly they contribute to one or more of the following four core objectives of the programme:
- To advance contemporary forms of expression by supporting innovative Syrian artists.
- To raise awareness and solidarity among host populations or foreign audiences (e.g. the UK) regarding the experience of Syrian refugees.
- To record and preserve Syrian culture and/or the Syrian refugee experience.
- To develop networks or platforms that support and connect Syrian artists or Syrian
refugee communities.
In addition to the above objectives, successful proposals must:
- Explain how the grant recipient will demonstrate the impact of their activity/activities in
terms of achieving the overall programme objective(s) (e.g. through blogs, interviews,
video/audio clips, social media etc).
- Clearly explain how the grant recipient will spend the requested funding.
- Only include activities taking place outside Syria.
- Include at least one activity beginning before the end of 2014.
AM I ELIGIBLE TO APPLY?
Potential participants must:
- Be a citizen, national or permanent resident qualified to hold a valid passport issued by
the State of Syria;
- Be currently residing in one of the following countries: Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon, Turkey
or Iraq;
- Be at least 18 years old by the time the programme begins;
- Be strongly motivated to contribute to his/her community through the arts;
- Be able to provide details of a bank account into which the grant allocation can be
transferred. (In exceptional circumstances, the bank account may be in the name of someone other than the recipient if there are difficulties opening a bank account in the host country. Applicants are advised to contact the British Council with any concerns about funding arrangements).
n.b. Grants will be made to individuals, not organisations.
IMPORTANT DATES
20 December 2013 20 January 2014
5 February 2014
6 – 20 February 2014
Programme open for applications Deadline for applications Successful applicants informed Contracts signed and grants issued
CALL FOR APPLICATIONS: GRANTS FOR SYRIAN ARTISTS 2
HOW DO I APPLY?
Complete the application form below and return it to joel.bubbers@britishcouncil.org before the end of 20 January 2014.
PLEASE NOTE:
By submitting your proposal, you agree to the following conditions if your application is successful:
- Grantees will sign a legally-binding grant contract with the British Council before receiving their funding allocation.
- Grantees will report periodically on the impact of their activity/activities. The details and schedule of the reporting will be agreed with grantees on an individual basis, and will include completion of a simple report form at the conclusion of the activity/activities.
© British Council 2012
The British Council is the United Kingdom’s international organisation for cultural relations and educational opportunities.