The South Asia Festivals & Culture Academy (SAFCA) has been launched through a collaborative effort between the British Council and Edinburgh Napier University, aimed at fostering the growth of arts and culture festivals. This initiative intends to bridge the gap between festival enthusiasts and industry experts, enabling an exchange of knowledge and insights within the South Asian region, particularly in India and neighboring countries. Interested individuals can apply for the Intermediate Course, which is scheduled to commence in January 2024, with the application deadline set for November 19, 2023.
SAFCA is set to offer a series of specialized short courses that will equip festival managers with the essential skills required to navigate the dynamic festival landscape. These courses will cover various aspects such as international programming, leadership, financial management, operations, marketing, risk management, inclusivity, and environmental sustainability.
According to Shahida MacDougall, the Director of British Council Nepal, the development of robust festival management skills is crucial for the sustainability and growth of the arts sector. The South Asia Festival Academy provides an exceptional opportunity for individuals involved in the creative industry to enhance their business acumen while benefiting from the expertise of international festival professionals. Festivals, known for their role in fostering artistic expression, cultural enrichment, and inclusivity, hold significant cultural and economic importance in both the UK and Nepal.
The intermediate course offered by SAFCA has been refined over the course of three years to align with academic BA Hons courses and cater to the specific context of South Asian festivals and culture. The program, facilitated by festival academics and experts from the UK and South Asia, targets festival directors, founders, entrepreneurs, and senior managers of arts and cultural festivals across the region. This immersive 10-week structured skills development program is designed for individuals with 5–10 years of experience in the festival and culture sector, preferably in senior leadership roles.
Applications are welcomed from eligible candidates, with a prerequisite of active experience in senior positions within the industry. The total cost per student is £750 (NPR 121,500), with the British Council providing a £500 subsidy per student, resulting in a reduced fee of £250 (NPR 40,500). For further information and to apply for the Intermediate Level course, interested individuals are encouraged to visit the official website HERE.
