ISLAMABAD: The British Council has unveiled a new program offering grants of up to £15,000 to Pakistani artists and cultural organizations to address the climate change emergency. The initiative, announced on Wednesday, aims to promote sustainable projects and practices in the arts sector, encouraging creative solutions to climate challenges.
The program, part of the Climate Futures: South Asia initiative, will provide financial support to artists and organizations in Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and Nepal. Selected grantees will receive mentorship from UK specialists throughout their project’s duration, enhancing their ability to drive climate action through cultural innovation.
According to the Global Climate Risk Index, Pakistan ranks as the fifth most vulnerable country to climate change, facing severe impacts from floods, droughts, and heatwaves that threaten agriculture, infrastructure, and public health.
“The Climate Futures: South Asia program is designed to support the arts sector with grants of £15,000 available to artists and cultural organizations,” the British Council’s statement said. The initiative will focus on artist-led projects promoting knowledge creation, sustainability, capacity-building, and infrastructure optimization to raise climate awareness within the cultural sector.
Applications for the program are open until November 25, 4:59 am PST, and successful applicants will have the chance to significantly contribute to global climate conversations through their work.
“We believe the arts have a crucial role to play in addressing the climate crisis,” said James Hampson, British Council Pakistan’s Country Director. “Climate Futures: South Asia offers an exciting opportunity for artists and cultural organizations to lead and inspire change.”
The British Council will also host information sessions on October 8 and 22 to guide applicants through the process and help them maximize their chances of securing funding.
