The British Council has announced the launch of its Climate Futures: South Asia programme, an initiative designed to support Nepal’s creative industries in addressing the climate crisis. According to a statement issued by the British Council, the programme, now open for applications, offers grant opportunities to artists and cultural organisations to develop innovative projects and implement sustainable practices that tackle climate change.
Grants of up to £15,000 (approximately Rs 26.25 million) will be awarded to projects that aim to raise climate awareness and promote sustainability within the arts sector. The programme will support artist-led initiatives that encourage sustainability and knowledge-sharing within the cultural industry, the statement added.
Similarly, it will assist the development and execution of sustainability strategies for organisations, including capacity-building efforts, and infrastructure improvements to boost climate change awareness and sustainable approaches within the arts, the statement read.
Applications for the grants must be submitted by November 25, 2024, with a deadline of 23:59 GMT. The British Council, in its statement, emphasised that successful applicants will benefit from both financial assistance and expert mentorship from leading UK specialists in climate and the arts, enabling them to contribute significantly to global climate discussions.
To further support potential applicants, the British Council will host two online information sessions on October 8 and 22, both at 10:00 GMT. These sessions will provide guidance on the application process and offer advice on how to maximise the chances of securing funding.
The Climate Futures programme aims to empower Nepal's artistic and cultural community, allowing them to play a critical role in climate action. By merging creativity with sustainability, the initiative seeks to drive meaningful change in the fight against climate change.