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British Council Launches ‘Climate Futures: South Asia’ Programme to Promote Sustainable Arts Practices

New Grant Scheme to Support Creative Responses to Climate Emergency

The British Council has launched a new programme titled ‘Climate Futures: South Asia’ to encourage sustainable practices within the arts and creative sectors in India. The initiative, which was announced on Wednesday, aims to foster creative solutions to address the ongoing climate emergency.

Grant Scheme of £15,000 for Artists and Cultural Organisations

The programme is now open for applications and offers grants of £15,000 (approx. ₹16.57 lakh) to artists, cultural organisations, and creative collaborations. These grants will support innovative projects aimed at curating artistic experiences that raise awareness of the climate crisis and implement sustainable practices in the arts.

Promoting Decarbonisation and Climate Awareness

The initiative will back a wide variety of projects that focus on key environmental challenges. These include developing decarbonisation strategies for arts and cultural organisations, tracking and reducing carbon emissions and waste, and optimising infrastructure to advance climate change awareness in the creative industries.

Role of Art in Tackling the Climate Crisis

Ruchira Das, Director of Arts India at the British Council, emphasised the critical role of art in addressing environmental issues. “At the British Council, we strongly believe that art holds a pivotal role in tackling the climate crisis. Through creativity and cultural expression, artists have the unique ability to address environmental challenges and inspire meaningful action,” she said.

Information Sessions for Applicants

To support applicants, the British Council will hold a series of information sessions on October 8 and October 22. These sessions are designed to guide potential applicants through the application process and help them maximise their chances of securing funding.

Application Deadline

The deadline for all applications is set for November 25, 2024.