Open Call: Mudawanat – Podcasts on Arts and Culture in the Arab Region

Within the Grants for Artistic Creativity our friends from Al-Mawred Al-Thaqafy Culture Resource announce the open call for the second round of Mudawanat, a project that aims to support the creation and distribution over the different podcast platforms of Arabic-language audio content on Arts and Culture in the Arab region. Application deadline for the second round: August 1o, 2020:

“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.”

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 deadline for application is 10 August, 2020 at 16:00 Beirut time.
  • The results will be announced on 9 October, 2020.
  • The online orientation workshop will take place in October 2020.
  • The online training session for the two tracks will be held in December 2020.
  • Serialized publication of the episodes will begin at the outset of 2021.

 

Application 

To apply visit the website of the “Al-Mawred Al-Thaqafy Culture Resource”.