19 December 2024 to 21 January 2025

The British Council is pleased to announce an open call for applications for Mishkal: Grants for Performing Artists and Cultural Organisations in West Bank and Jerusalem to develop artistic works reflecting tangible and intangible cultural heritage inspired by Palestinian cultural heritage sites.

This grant scheme is managed by British Council as part of Mishkal project which is funded by EU and managed and implemented in partnership with Goethe Institut and in collaboration with EUNIC (European Union National Institutes for Culture) Cluster in Palestine.

Amid the ongoing devastation that has deeply affected Palestine, protecting cultural heritage has never been more crucial. The British Council recognises the importance of strengthening community resilience and cohesion during times of war and destruction by supporting the arts and culture in such contexts.

We invite artists in the West Bank, Gaza, and Jerusalem to create works that explore cultural identity, resilience and hope, drawing inspiration from Palestine’s diverse stories and memories.

This grant scheme offers resources to Palestinian artists and cultural organisations, enabling them to sustain their practice, amplify their voices, and reinforce Palestinian cultural identity.

About the Project:

Mishkal aims to promote art and culture as a means of preserving Palestinian cultural heritage, strengthening cultural identity, and supporting entrepreneurs and creatives in the fields of art and culture throughout the West Bank, Gaza, and Jerusalem.

The project encompasses four key components:

1.     Production grants: providing support to performing artists to create and implement artistic projects inspired by Palestinian tangible and intangible heritage. Intangible heritage includes songs, folktales, artifacts, agriculture, embroidery, and other forms of intangible heritage that can form the inspiration for the artistic work. Tangible heritage refers to historical and archaeological Palestinian sites.

2.     Cultural exchange: facilitating cultural exchange activities between Palestinian and European artists to share expertise and knowledge. Due to the current situation, this component will only support digital collaborations.

3.     Capacity building: implementing a capacity-building program to enhance the artistic and professional skills of artists through a series of workshops and training sessions tailored to their individual and collective needs.

4.     Showcasing: engaging the public by showcasing the artistic works produced. 

This call is open to applications from performing arts field including but not limited to Storytelling, Music, Theatre, Circus, Dance and multidisciplinary Arts. 

Grant Size:

Mishkal will award up to 20 grants of between EUR 5,000 and EUR 20,000 per grant.

Who can apply?

This grant scheme is open to Palestinian artists, creatives and cultural practitioners from the West Bank and Jerusalem.

Applications will be accepted from individual artists, groups or collectives and registered organisations.

Artists and organisations should be based in West Bank and Jerusalem.

We are encouraging applications from artists and creative practitioners of diverse backgrounds, and particularly those from minority and disability groups, to apply.

NOTE: A separate call will be launched soon for artists in Gaza.

Essential Criteria:

  1. The proposed project should be based in West Bank and Jerusalem.
  2. The proposed project should reflect creatively Palestinian tangible or intangible cultural heritage.
  3. The proposed project should directly benefit artists and support the development of creative work.
  4. The proposed project should take place between 1 March and end of October 2025.
  5. The project budget should be no less than EUR 5,000 and not exceed EUR 20,000.

What can the grant be used for? 

We are expecting to fund the following types of projects (this is not an exhaustive list): 

  • Production of new artistic work.   
  • Performances and showcasing events. 
  • Cultural exchange projects between European and Palestinian artists. Due to the current situation, this component will only support digital collaborations.
  • Projects with digital creative components which would complement project’s outreach plan or enhance its documentation.

We expect that grants will be used for the following purposes (this is not an exhaustive list): 

  • Payment of artists and key individuals involved in the project.
  • Developing and recreating existing projects that meet the essential criteria.
  • Costs of studio or venue rental.
  • Costs of running physical and virtual events, workshops, activities.
  • Purchase of materials, equipment, and software, in addition to communication and publicity cost (up to 15% of total budget)

What is the grant NOT for?

Applications are not accepted for the following: 

  • Creative projects taking place outside Palestine.  
  • Applications to fund international travel and accommodation. 
  • Existing projects/initiatives led by academic institutions and funding bodies.  

Application Process:

  • All applications must be submitted via the online application portal – see links below.
  • The application can be submitted in Arabic or English.
  • All sections of the application must be completed. Incomplete applications will not be considered.
  • If you are applying as a group/collective or organisation, please submit only one application form on behalf of the group.
  • Supporting documentation and links can be uploaded or pasted before submitting.
  • Only successful applicants will be notified, and the results will be shared via email.
  • Grantees will be required to submit a narrative and financial report at the end of the project, further guidance and the template will be provided.

To apply in English or Arabic, click here 

Selection process:

All applications will be reviewed against the following criteria: 

  • Eligibility – does the application meet all the essential criteria?  
  • Feasibility – is the proposal clear and well developed?
  • Is the timeline achievable?
  • Is the budget realistic? 
  • Quality and Creativity – does the project show innovative content and creative elements reflecting tangible and intangible cultural heritage?

Application Timeline:

  • Open Call launched on Wednesday 19 December 2024
  • Application deadline: Tuesday 21 January 2025  (23:59, Jerusalem time). Late applications will not be considered 
  • Any additional Grant clarification queries need to be emailed at MENAartsgrants@britishcouncil.org by 10 January 2025.
  • Answers to all submitted questions will be shared with applicants via email by 15 January 2025. 
  • Successful grantees to be notified on 10 February 2025. 
  • All project activities to be completed and the narrative report submitted by 31 October 2025.
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