British Council opens call for Vietnamese and expat artists

Centre for Culture Preservation and Economic Development’s members and a Tà Ôi woman look at designs based on Dèng textile. The centre received a Connections Through Culture Grant to carry out project on weaving in 2021. Photo vietnamplus.vn

HÀ NỘI — Artists including Vietnamese and expatriates are invited to apply for grants to create art and culture collaboration projects between the United Kingdom and Việt Nam. 

The Connections Through Culture Grants will be awarded to new international collaborations to help the artists develop their work. 

The projects are required to include at least one UK-based applicant and one applicant based in Việt Nam.

It also allows both teams to develop a deeper understanding of each other’s cultures and work processes. These grants can spark big ideas and major collaborations, according to Donna McGowan, Director of the British Council Việt Nam.

“We’re proud to be providing this support, keeping the doors open for artists in both countries to make connections and showcase their talents on the international stage,” said McGowan.

“Connections Through Culture grants not only create meaningful artistic exchanges, but help to bring greater understanding that will enrich the global creative landscape,” she added.

Since its first time introduced in 2019, there have been 16 grants awarded in Việt Nam. Lê Thị Quỳnh Châu, from the Centre for Culture Preservation and Economy Development (CPED) received a grant in 2021.  

She and her counterpart the UK designer Victoria Ho carried out project ‘Weaving a Better World: Including Craft to Reset Sustainable Fashion’. It is based on Tà Ôi women’s designs on traditional craft to reset sustainable fashion. Tà Ôi ethnic group is located in the central Thừa Thiên Huế Province.

“I personally really feel proud that we could finally have, not just the manual, but also the training and contest to bring more attention on Dèng textile and lead bead, a kind of weaving with beads” said Châu.

“With the grant, I could connect through cultures online with Victoria Ho from London even during the pandemic to promote the textile not just in Việt Nam but also in the UK.”

This year, applicants in Việt Nam can apply for grants of up to £10,000 (US$13,000) for projects. Applications are welcome from all artforms, however proposals responding to climate change and diversity and inclusion may be prioritised during final decision making.

Potential applicants can find more details, including an application toolkit with valuable tips and detailed insights into the programme, on the British Council website. – VNS