Deadline: 11-Jan-2026
The British Council has announced Alternative Narratives Creative Collaboration Grant Programme to support creative collaborations between the UK and Malaysia to address climate adaptation through arts, science, and community engagement.
It aims to elevate Malaysian voices, inspire sustainable futures, and generate collaborative climate-related artworks. Projects should explore past, present, and future Human-Nature narratives, power dynamics, and alternative futures through diverse art forms and disciplines.
Focus areas include climate issues such as biodiversity, deforestation, pollution, and water rights; sustainable practices like renewable energy and traditional knowledge; and collaborations that promote community engagement, international exchange, and public awareness of the climate emergency.
The programme encourages innovative artistic responses across all art forms, including film, literature, music, visual art, theatre, and dance, alongside creative technologies and archival materials. Projects can include exhibitions, performances, festivals, residencies, or public artworks that engage communities in addressing environmental issues and climate storytelling.
Applicants may request up to £20,000 in funding, with the grant covering professional fees, travel, production costs, marketing, and evaluation, among others. Existing or ongoing projects may also apply for an extension or new phase of work, provided it aligns with the programme’s goals.
Applicants are encouraged to develop situated projects within natural or urban environments that foster dialogue, collaboration, and tangible creative outputs contributing to sustainability.
Eligibility extends to individuals, organisations, or collectives from both the UK and Malaysia, each with demonstrated experience in managing similar grants or creative projects. Proposals must involve at least one UK-based and one Malaysian partner, with a fair and equitable distribution of resources and responsibilities.
Selection will be based on quality and experience, impact and legacy, feasibility, collaboration, and commitment to equality, diversity, and environmental sustainability. Successful proposals should present a clear vision, demonstrate artistic excellence, and outline strategies for engagement and long-term impact.
Additionally, applicants must consider equitable pay, translation, travel, and safeguarding costs in their international collaboration budgets. The application deadline is Sunday, 11 January 2026, followed by selection announcements in February 2026.
Contracting and the first grant payment will begin in March 2026, with the creative collaboration period running from March to October 2026. Public sharing of outcomes is scheduled for November 2026, and final reporting is due by December 2026.
For more information, visit British Council.
