What is Mudawanat?

Culture Resource invites artists and cultural actors from the Arab region to apply to the second round of Mudawanat, a project organized by Culture Resource in cooperation with the British Council to support the creation and distribution over the internet of Arabic-language audio content on Arts and Culture in the Arab region. Participants in the project will contribute to the production of podcasts focused on the arts and culture sector.

This round of Mudawanat will be carried out in two tracks:

  • Track 1: Attending training and contributing to the production of two episodes for the “Myths” and “Alternatives” series. Both beginners and those with experience in audio production may apply.
  • Track 2: Attending specialized training and contributing to the production of a ten-episode podcast series on arts and culture. Only experienced podcasters may apply.

The Mudawanat project aims to build a living archive of podcasts that document the contemporary cultural realm. The project encourages the contributors to experiment with the audio genre outside of conventional radio formats and to employ creative methods of storytelling while reflecting on local and regional specificities.

This call is open to cultural actors, artists, writers and podcasters on Arts and Culture, and it encourages both beginner podcasters involved in the cultural milieu as well as experienced podcasters interested in further developing their skills to apply.

The program will select individuals from across the Arab region to participate in one of two tracks. The first group (Track 1) will consist of 10 individuals or groups who will take part in online beginner training sessions and produce each two episodes for the “Myths” series (on familiar and missing urban legends) and the “Alternatives” series (on stories of change and alternative choices). The second group (Track 2) will be made up of four groups or individuals who will participate in online specialized training sessions and produce each a ten-part series on a theme consistent with the general outlook of Mudawanat project.

Training & Production Process

The production process will start with an orientation workshop in which participants will receive guidance on how to develop their themes and script productions. Afterwards they will work in one-on-one sessions with the editorial trainer to help them flesh out their proposals. Participants will then join theoretical and practical training sessions on audio design and podcast production and publication, which focuses on the recording arts, sound editing and other know-how needed to prepare, script and carry out their projects. Specialized trainers will monitor participants’ progress in one-on-one coaching sessions and be available to support and guide them through the creation of their podcasts from conception to publication of the episodes/series.

The podcasts will be published on multiple online platforms in two consecutive seasons. Each season will feature episodes in classical Arabic and/or local dialects.

Project Timeline

The call for this program is currently not open, any upcoming rounds will be announced.

Who is eligible to apply?

  • Applicants must be from an Arab country, regardless of ethnic background, citizenship status or whether they reside in the Arab region or abroad.
  • The project targets artists of all disciplines (visual arts, performing arts, literature, music, etc.) and cultural actors working independently or with arts and culture initiatives, organizations and cooperatives. The project is also open to podcasters who have previously published podcasts on cultural topics.

Please note: The applicant can only apply for one track. An application for both will not be accepted and the applicant will be disqualified.

How to apply to Track 1:
Attending training and contributing to the production of two episodes for the “Myths” and “Alternatives” series 

  1. Complete the application form for Track 1.
  2. Complete the document Proposals for Contributing to Track 1. The document contains a section for the episode presentation and another section for the production script of both episodes. Please propose two episodes, one for each series. 
  3. E-mail the application form and required documents to: [email protected].
  4. Please include as attachments all supporting documents mentioned in the application form.

How to apply to Track 2:
Attending specialized training and contributing to the production of a ten-episode podcast series on Arts and Culture

  1. Complete the application form for Track 2.
  2. Complete the document Proposals for Contributing to Track 2. The document contains a section for the episode presentation and another section for the production script of both episodes. Please propose two different episodes for the single proposed series. 
  3. E-mail the application form and required documents to: [email protected].
  4. Please include as attachments all supporting documents mentioned in the application form.

How are the participants selected?

  • Each application is approved in accordance with the application criteria set by Culture Resource.
  • Applications received by the submission deadline are screened to verify that applicants meet the eligibility criteria and that their applications meet all the requirements as outlined in the application guidelines, including the thorough completion of the application form and the inclusion of the required supporting documents.
  • Applications that meet all the requirements are forwarded to a three-member independent jury. The jury consists of cultural actors or artists of diverse disciplines and backgrounds and with recognized expertise in the Arab and international cultural scenes.
  • The jury members assess the applications and select the participants on the basis of a set of established criteria determined by Culture Resource and that focus primarily on applicants’ motivation, previous artistic and cultural involvements and the quality of their proposals.

Contractual Procedures & Obligations

  • After the results are announced, Culture Resource sends contractual agreements to the grantees that explain, in detail, the scope, conditions, and duration of the project.
  • The production allowances are disbursed as follows: Participants receive a first instalment (60% of the grant) after attending the orientation workshop, and a second instalment (40% of the grant) upon publication of the agreed upon episodes.
  • If a selected participant does not sign the agreement within 30 days after it was sent, the grant will be cancelled.
  • The participants must comply with Culture Resource’s communication and publication guidelines attached with the contractual agreement that will be sent to participants.
  • In the event that the intended participation does not take place – due to reasons including but not limited to personal or health reasons – the agreement will be cancelled.