Audioguide grant

Application deadline: June 22nd, 2025

FIKAR is pleased to launch a Special Project Grant dedicated to the development of a public Audioguide of Failaka Island.

We invite proposals from artists, researchers, writers, sound designers, and interdisciplinary practitioners interested in crafting a compelling audio experience that captures the cultural, historical, ecological, and symbolic richness of Failaka.

The grant supports the production of a creative and accessible audioguide that may include:

  • Historical and archaeological narratives

  • Interviews and oral histories
    Ecological and environmental soundscapes

  • Artistic and poetic interventions

  • Multilingual or culturally inclusive approaches

The final audioguide should be produced in both Arabic and English, and will be made publicly accessible via FIKAR’s platforms.

About the grant

Grant amount

The maximum amount awarded is 3,000 KWD.

Map

All proposals must include a map component—digital or printable—that aligns with the audioguide content. The map should guide users across key locations on Failaka Island, linking physical sites to specific audio segments.

Applicants are encouraged to propose interactive, illustrative, or visually innovative approaches to mapping.

The map and audioguide will be designed to accommodate both on-site visitors and remote listeners, enriching the user experience across different contexts.

Timeline

The audioguide project must be completed within two years from the start date of the grant. Applicants are required to outline a realistic and achievable timeline within this timeframe.

Accessibility

Applicants are encouraged to consider accessibility in their project proposals, including but not limited to:

  • Transcripts for hearing-impaired users

  • Visual maps suitable for colorblind users

  • Simple navigation or alternative formats for low-bandwidth contexts

Criteria

This grant is open to Kuwaiti and Kuwait-based artists, researchers, curators, developers, and cultural practitioners with a minimum of five years of professional experience in their respective fields. Applicants may apply individually or collaboratively.

Application Requirements

All applicants must submit:

1 - A Project Proposal including concept, objectives, methodology, and timeline

2 - A biography of the applicant(s).

3 - A Portfolio with a selection of previous work (maximum 10 pages)

4 - A detailed budget indicating the requested amount and proposed allocation of funds.

5 - A Preliminary Map Concept with a description or draft visual that outlines the intended mapping approach

6 - Indication of preferred dates for the residency period between October 1, 2025 and May 1, 2026

Important dates

Application Deadline: June 22, 2025, by 11:59 PM (Kuwait time)
Pre-Selection Interviews: End of June 2025
Final Notification of Results: First week of July 2025
Residency Period Begins: October 1, 2025
Residency Period Ends: May 1, 2026

Residency Support

Residents will receive the following:

  • Round-trip boat transport between Kuwait

  • and Failaka Island

  • Accommodation at Dar FIKAR

  • Dedicated studio space

  • Two meals per day

  • Access to all residency facilities

  • Ongoing mentorship and support from the FIKAR team

Please note: International travel to and from Kuwait is not covered by FIKAR. Applicants are encouraged to seek additional funding from third-party sources for flights and related costs.

Grant Support

In addition, grantees will receive a production grant of up to 3,000 KWD, depending on the scope and budget of the proposed project.

All funded projects must be completed within two years from the start date of the grant.