Open Call: ARTIVATOR – Fellowship in Art Management for MENA Region (Two Places)
Application deadline: April 14, 2024

PLEASE NOTE: This fellowship is open to emerging arts managers from Jordan, Palestine, and Iraq who possess prior experience in event and festival organisation. Applicants must be at least 18 years of age and be able to commit to spending three weeks in England. Applicants must demonstrate strong communication and interpersonal skills, as well as a commitment to professional development.

ARTIVATOR: Fellowship in Event and Festival Development and Management

ARTIVATOR

Fellowship in Art Management for MENA Region British Council – MENA is excited to unveil the third edition of ARTIVATOR – the Fellowship in Art Management designed to nurture emerging cultural practitioners from the MENA region. Our initiative aims to equip participants with essential skills, training, and networking opportunities to excel in the arts industry. Through tailored experiences, participants in this edition will gain insights into event and festival development and management, aiming to foster a vibrant and sustainable arts sector in the MENA region. This year, ARTIVATOR, will be one more time in collaboration with the Lakes International Comic Art Festival (LICAF) in Bowness on Windermere.

By combining skills development with practical experience, we aspire to empower emerging arts managers to spearhead growth and innovation within the industry.

What is ARTIVATOR?

ARTIVATOR is a new Art Management Incubator initiated by British Council – MENA, aimed at building the capacity of cultural practitioners from the MENA region. The initiative aims to provide opportunities of training, mentoring, and networking, in collaboration with regional and UK partners, to help participants acquire the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in the arts industry, providing them with a bespoke experience. Participants benefit from access to a network of arts professionals, as well as resources and support from our partners.

Through its work, the incubator aims to promote the development of a vibrant and sustainable arts sector in the MENA region. By supporting emerging arts managers, it hopes to create a new generation of leaders who are equipped to navigate the challenges of the industry and drive its growth and innovation.

If you are an emerging arts manager in the MENA region, ARTIVATOR offers an unparalleled opportunity to take your career to the next level.

About The Lakes International Comic Art Festival

The Lakes International Comic Art Festival, known as LICAF, stands as an annual celebration of comics artistry. Since its inception in 2013, this not-for-profit festival has become a cornerstone event, eagerly awaited each October. The milestone tenth festival saw LICAF branching out to multiple venues in Bowness-on- Windermere, situated in South Lakeland, Cumbria.

Over the years, the British Council has forged several fruitful collaborations with LICAF, showcasing the power of art to engage with critical global issues. Among these collaborations, “Ten Years to Save the World, ” a thought-provoking Filipino-UK partnership addressing climate change. Similarly, “From Ink to Action ” brought together twelve talented comic artists from the MENA region, offering unique perspectives on climate change, culminating in a compelling showcase at COP 28 in Dubai.

As LICAF gears up to take this project on tour, it is also initiating a collaboration with comic artists from Palestine. This exciting development promises to further enrich the festival’s diverse voices and narratives.

LICAF remains a vibrant hub where creators and enthusiasts converge to celebrate the art form, pushing boundaries and fostering dialogue. With each passing year, it continues to grow in scope and influence, cementing its status as a premier destination for comic aficionados worldwide.

ARTIVATOR: Fellowship in Event and Festival Development and Management

Fellowship Focus: Selected fellows will undertake a comprehensive three-week program focusing on one area of delivery from the following:

  1. Production and Technical Aspects: Gain insights into the intricacies of event and festival production, including technical requirements and logistical considerations.
  2. Local Marketing and Community Engagement: Explore strategies for effective local marketing and community outreach to enhance event participation and engagement.
  3. Exhibition Curation and Presentation: Delve into the art of exhibition curation, with a special emphasis on showcasing comics from Palestine as an extension of our Comics from the Arab World program, in collaboration with LICAF.
  4. Guest and Exhibitor Liaison: Learn the art of managing guests and exhibitors, ensuring a seamless experience for all stakeholders involved.

Fellowship Details: The fellowship program is open to two applicants and will span three weeks, allowing fellows to immerse themselves in their chosen area of focus. Participants will engage in practical tasks, workshops, and networking opportunities to enhance their skills and knowledge in art management.

Your visas and flights will be covered, as well as internal travel in the UK. You will be accommodated in a cottage that you will share with the other Fellow. We will offer you an honorarium of 750 GBP and subsistence for the period. There will be some additional hospitality at the festival.

The Fellowship will focus on the three-week run-up to the festival and the festival weekend itself (September 27-29, 2024). It will focus on practical tasks and will include one-to-one or group sessions on particular skills and areas of knowledge.

There will be a series of 60 –90-minute virtual briefing sessions, offering an opportunity to meet the team, including the Founder Director Julie Tait, find out more about the festival, and discuss more detailed itineraries.

Eligibility Criteria: This fellowship is open to emerging arts managers from Jordan, Palestine, and Iraq who possess prior experience in event and festival organisation. Applicants must be at least 18 years of age and be able to commit to spending three weeks in England. Applicants must demonstrate strong communication and interpersonal skills, as well as a commitment to professional development.

What You Will Gain

Selected fellows will benefit from:

  • Hands-on experience in their chosen area of focus • Mentorship and guidance from industry professionals
  • Networking opportunities with peers and experts in the field

How to Apply

  • Interested candidates are invited to submit a short biography/CV and a covering letter addressing the following points
  • Motivation for applying to the fellowship
  • Relevant experience in event and festival management / area of focus
  • Career ambitions in the field of art management • Personal and practical qualities essential for the focus area you choose

Application deadline: April 14, 2024
Please submit your application to Julie Tait.
Email: julie@comicartfestival.com
Subject: ARTIVATOR Fellowship Application – MENA Region

Don’t miss this exceptional opportunity to elevate your career in art management and contribute to the flourishing arts sector in the MENA region. Apply now and embark on a transformative journey with ARTIVATOR!