
Publication grant
Application deadline: June 15th, 2025
FIKAR invites applications for its Publication Grant, which supports the creation and dissemination of innovative and original publications related to Failaka Island. The grant aims to promote public knowledge of the island and extend its cultural and historical narratives to both Kuwaiti and international audiences.
The grant supports the production of publications that explore, reflect on, or are inspired by Failaka Island. Eligible genres include:
Fiction
Non-fiction
Research-based works
Artistic publications
Children’s and young adult literature
Poetry
The final publication must be completed in either Arabic or English.
About the grant
Grant amount
The maximum amount awarded is 3,000 KWD.
Funding may cover partial or full costs of the publication, depending on the approved budget. Eligible expenses include:
Printing and binding
Design and layout
Licensing of images and copyright fees
Graphic design
Indexing
Production costs
Commissioning of new photography
Editorial and proofreading services
Grants will not be awarded for publications that have already been completed or published.
Timeline
The entire publication 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.
Terms
The proposed publication must clearly relate to Failaka Island. Applications not fulfilling this requirement will be automatically disqualified.
Criteria
This call is open to Kuwaiti and international applicants aged 21 or older who meet the following conditions:
1
This grant is open to visual artists and researchers with a minimum of five years of professional experience in their respective fields. Applicants may apply individually or collaboratively.
3
Propose a project that directly relates to Failaka Island.
Application Requirements
All applicants must submit:
1 - A clear project proposal outlining objectives, methodology, and potential outcomes or public engagement.
2 - A biography of the applicant(s).
3 - A list of publications
4 - A detailed budget indicating the requested amount and proposed allocation of funds.
5 - At least one letter of recommendation supporting the candidate(s) and project proposal (up to a maximum of three letters).
6 - Indication of preferred dates for the residency period between October 1, 2025 and May 1, 2026
Important dates
Application Deadline: June 15, 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.