Open Call: Cultural Producer: Queering the Ga(y)ze Project

Deadline: 28-Jul-24

The British Council seeks a qualified delivery partner to manage the Queering the Ga(y)ze project that aims to recognise diverse narratives in South African arts with a particular focus on LGBTQIA+ heritage and inclusion.

Queering the Ga(y)ze is a dynamic project building on the rich legacy of Diverse Narratives within the British Council’s South Africa Arts Programme. Inspired by past initiatives within the programme such as Salon Kewpie: The Legacy Project, Queer Catalyst, and Nkoli: The Vogue Opera, Queering the Ga(y)ze explores expansive engagement with marginalised communities and voices, particularly focusing on Queer heritage and inclusion work.

Project Objectives

• Amplify South African artistic expression across diverse narratives through film screenings and showcases.
• Contribute to broader Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) goals by promoting LGBTQIA+ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Questioning, Intersex, Asexual) inclusion, aligning with the British Council’s commitment to EDI.
• Facilitate audience development by attracting new audiences while nurturing existing ones.
• Gather valuable insights through workshops and/or panel discussions, contributing to knowledge sharing.
• Raise the profile of the annual Five Films for Freedom online festival in South Africa to raise awareness and encourage dialogue around LGBTQIA+ issues.

The Ideal Delivery Partner must have:

• Proven experience as a cultural producer (individual or organisation) with a strong track record in curating, programming, and producing cultural events.
• Demonstrable expert knowledge of EDI, with a strong intersectional focus on LGBTQIA+ issues.

Project Scope

• The selected partner will be responsible for developing and delivering the following:
  • Public Programme Series (October 2024 – February 2025)
    • Curate at least three public events exploring LGBTQIA+ narratives and themes in South African arts. These events can be geographically diverse, partnered with existing organisations, utilise digital or creative technologies, etc.
  • Five Films for Freedom Online Festival (March 2025)
    • Organise online watch parties in Durban, Cape Town, and Johannesburg. Each online screening will be followed by an expert-led panel discussion focused on the film’s themes.

Funding Information

• Project budget: R350,000.00 – R400,000.00

Eligibility Criteria

• You are an individual or organisation actively doing work concerning LGBTQIA+ awareness, activism, cultural narration and/or storytelling.
• Your main target audience for the grant is between 18-35 years (albeit, not limited to).
• Your proposal does not engage or target any under-18-year-olds.
• You are based in South Africa and have existing relationships in the country

For more information, visit British Council.