The British Council in partnership with WOW Foundation invites institutions and individuals based in Nepal and the UK to submit proposals on developing engaging, creative and meaningful interactions on gender topics for the fifth edition of Women of the World Festival Nepal (WOW Nepal).
Over a decade ago the first WOW—Women of the World—was held at the Southbank Centre in London. Since then, WOW Festivals celebrating women and girls, and taking a frank look at the obstacles they face, have taken place across the globe, reaching more than two million people directly.
WOW Nepal was first hosted in 2017. The fifth iteration is planned as a hybrid event with a digital version hosted in March, followed by a physical event in Lumbini Park in April 2022. Like previous editions, the Festival aims to raise awareness of overlooked, nuanced and intersectional issues, it hopes to strengthen the capacities of actors to take informed creative actions and provides a platform to amplify the voices of women/girls and others at the margins of society.
Through the power of arts, culture and media, both in physical or virtual spaces, WOW Nepal continues to connect an increasing number of diverse people, movements and ideas to address the global challenge of gender inequality.
At the heart of each Festival, edition is the collaborators, curators, partners, participants, and people who help make each WOW a unique experience. To support WOW objectives and local actions on gender, the British Council is offering a grant (including a financial award and other in-kind and co-production support) to relevant proposals that can add value to our Festival platform.
We are particularly interested in proposals on arts/culture/media-based ideas that can inspire social behavioural and perspective change. In this edition, there is a Lumbini Province priority. Organisations/individuals based in Lumbini Province’s many districts are encouraged to apply for dedicated grants which will support creative content-making and collaborations in the region.
There are multiple grants available. Applying for a WOW Grant is easy: please download the WOW Commissions Guideline and read through the document to understand the offer and to confirm your eligibility. The document will also help you identify WOW Festival objectives that are addressed by your proposal. It includes all information needed for you to make an informed application. If you are unsure about anything you can always get in touch with us at arts@britishcouncil.org.np.
Proposals will be appraised by a panel on a rolling basis (we will be able to confirm support within 5 working days of receiving the application). Judge criteria is covered in the guidelines.
Application for and guidance is available in English and Nepali languages.