Art Jameel and British Council Announce Recipients of Inaugural Anhar: Culture and Climate Platform

Art Jameel and the British Council are delighted to announce the recipients of Anhar: Culture and Climate Platform, the Arab world’s first program dedicated to funding and nurturing the role of the arts in addressing the climate crisis. Launched in October 2023, Anhar is a three-tiered grants program targeting artists, collectives, and institutions across the Arab world. The open call attracted proposals from 25 countries, with grants awarded to 19 recipients from 13 countries.

The grants, totaling £311,540 (US$394,528), are divided into three tiers:

• Tier 1: Seven grants awarded to artists, creative practitioners, collectives, or collaborative ventures in Palestine, Lebanon, Syria, Tunisia, Iraq, and Kuwait for climate-related projects aimed at raising community awareness. The projects address diverse themes such as architectural design, environmental degradation, industrial pollution, and the future of food.

• Tier 2: Seven grants awarded to organizations and venues working to reduce their carbon and waste footprints through decarbonization strategies and renewable energy investments across North Africa and the Levant.

• Tier 3: Five grants awarded to support collaborations between UK and MENA-based artists or cultural organizations to develop large-scale artistic responses to the climate emergency. These projects will include public programs, commissions, publications, film screenings, and workshops.

The proposals were evaluated by juries comprising experienced international practitioners, curators, and climate specialists. The jury noted the innovative and creative approaches taken by the culture sector in addressing sustainability themes and the potential these projects have to engage the public, transform cities and environments, and offer new solutions.

Anhar was launched ahead of the UAE’s hosting of the 28th United Nations Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP28). This major commissioning program supports new works and community projects by individual practitioners and grassroots cultural institutions implementing practical solutions to reduce carbon emissions and waste.

Regional Arts Director of the British Council, Amany Abu Abouzeid, commented, "Anhar: Culture and Climate Platform embodies the British Council’s firm belief in the role of the arts in tackling global challenges, with climate change at the forefront. This collaborative effort with Art Jameel signifies our commitment to engaging with key regional stakeholders and contextualizing the climate crisis. Our programs aim to foster long-term, mutually beneficial connections and collaborations among artists and arts organizations in the region and the UK."

Director of Art Jameel, Antonia Carver, said, "Working with the British Council and a network of eco-minded colleagues, we asked ourselves what the role of the arts is in addressing the climate crisis. Anhar harnesses the power of creative imagination and ingenuity in the Arab world, supporting projects ranging from innovative artworks to practical decarbonizing solutions with long-term impact. We congratulate the awardees and look forward to nurturing these incredible projects throughout the year and beyond."

Notes to Editor

Tier 1: Artists and Collectives
Anhar granted seven Tier 1 awards, totaling £1,000 to £5,000 ($1,000 to $6,000), to artists, creative practitioners, and small collectives focusing on climate-related projects that raise community awareness.