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Performing Arts
Theater, dance, spoken word, music, or performance that addresses themes of gender, power, and resistance.
Open Call
Gender-Based Creative Grants
Open Call: Gender-Based Creative Grants for WOW Pakistan
The WOW Curators in collaboration with British Council in Pakistan invite artists, storytellers, and other cultural practitioners to apply for the second round of our Gender-Based Creative Grants.
These grants aim to spark feminist storytelling, amplify marginalized voices, and reimagine gender justice through art in all its forms.
Select grantees may also have the opportunity to create, showcase, and amplify original artistic and feminist work at WOW Pakistan 2027 in Karachi.
Applicants
Who Can Apply?
We welcome applications from creatives, collectives, and practitioners working across Pakistan.
Emerging and established creatives
Artists from underrepresented genders and/or communities
Collaboratives or collectives working on feminist themes
Projects based anywhere in Pakistan
UK Connection
Applicants are encouraged to explore collaborations, audiences, or themes that may engage with the UK. Projects demonstrating a meaningful UK connection, such as partnerships with UK-based artists or institutions, are also encouraged.
Creative Disciplines
Grant Categories
Applicants may submit proposals in one of the following categories.
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Contemporary and Indigenous Visual Arts
Includes painting, film, photography, sculpture, textile, installation, or digital visual forms exploring feminist narratives.
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Multimedia and Interdisciplinary Work
Hybrid, experimental or collaborative work spanning digital media, performance, sound, or tech.
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Written Word and Activism
Poetry, feminist journalism, storytelling, zines, or activist creative publications centering on gender justice.
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Objectives
- To support and amplify gender-focused, intersectional creative work in Pakistan.
- To diversify the cultural landscape with new, bold feminist narratives.
- To generate engagement and anticipation for the WOW Festival through high-impact, artistic storytelling.
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Grant Scope
Each selected project will receive funding support to:
- Develop and produce original work aligned with feminist themes.
- Engage communities through performance, exhibition, or digital presence.
- Select projects will be showcased at WOW Festival Pakistan 2027 in Karachi and/or its digital platforms.
Requirements
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must:
- Be 18 years or older.
- Be based in Pakistan.
- Can be an individual, collective or organisation.
- Propose an original work aligned with the grant categories.
- Be available to implement the project between July 2026 and December 2026, with potential to showcase at WOW Pakistan in January 2027.
Assessment
Selection Criteria
Applications will be reviewed using the following criteria.
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Relevance to Feminist Themes
Depth of gender analysis and intersectionality.
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Artistic Merit
Innovation, originality, and aesthetic quality.
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Impact and Engagement
Ability to spark public dialogue or reach new audiences.
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Feasibility
Realistic execution and communications plans, coherent monitoring and evaluation and impact stories.
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Representation
Special consideration for marginalized voices, disabled, and community-rooted creatives.
What You'll Deliver
Deliverables
Each grantee will be required to complete the following.
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Submit finalized work by early December 2026.
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If selected, present the work at the WOW Festival in January 2027.
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Document the creative process through behind-the-scenes content, interviews, or reflections and submit a cohesive report.
Key Dates
Timeline
Step 01
Applications Close
June 15, 2026
Step 02
Review & Selection
Mid July 2026
Step 03
Grant Period
July – December 2026
Step 04
Potential WOW Showcase
January 2027 · Karachi
Applications
How to Apply
Prepare your application materials and submit them by email before the application deadline.
Submit Before
11:59 PM · June 15, 2026
Your application should include
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Detailed Project Proposal with rationale for the project.
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Portfolio or samples of previous work.
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A comprehensive Comms plan along with how you plan to measure, monitor and evaluate the impact of your work.
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Detailed Budget and Timeline.
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Short bio/CV of lead applicant(s).
Submit Your Application
Send your completed application and supporting documents to the email address below.