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"The arts, it has been said, cannot change the world, but they may change human being that might change the world." —Maxine Greene
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Project EMPOW[HER]
Project EMPOW[HER] is a 6-month Bangalore-based fellowship programme designed to develop a cadre of socially-minded visual artists, designers, photographers, filmmakers, etc.—anyone with a creative practice—to be creative change agents, inspired and equipped to use the tools of art and design to work alongside and towards the empowerment of adolescent girls from underserved communities.
Why Adolescent Girls?
In India, adolescent girls (11-16) from underserved communities are significantly more vulnerable than their male counterparts. They often face numerous challenges that can restrict their reaching their full potential—gender-based discrimination and bias; disruptions in her education; limited future opportunities. “Rather than learning about how they can make a difference in the world, many girls’ voices are silenced (United Nations Foundation).” And schools often do not have special provisions to empower these girls. Girls however “deserve to participate in their communities, advocate for their rights, and be role models for other girls (United Nations Foundation).” Research shows that if adolescent girls are empowered, they “have the ability to bring unprecedented social and economic change to their families and communities (Dasra, 2010).”
Why Visual Art & Design?
Art & design can change the way people see their world, open them up to new ideas, and connect them with others. Art and design have the ability to inspire dialogue and catalyze positive social change. Engagements with community-based art and design projects can foster empowerment through individual reflection, identity formation, as well as group cohesion and a sense of community. When artists and designers have the opportunity to contribute their unique skills, they can serve as a powerful force to further the well-being of others.
Benefits of Becoming a Project EMPOW[HER] Fellow?
Project EMPOW[HER] Fellows will gain access to:
Click Here to Apply: https://goo.gl/forms/BHK0Qa5CnGMR0SOg2
Application Closes: Friday, July 27, 2018
Why Adolescent Girls?
In India, adolescent girls (11-16) from underserved communities are significantly more vulnerable than their male counterparts. They often face numerous challenges that can restrict their reaching their full potential—gender-based discrimination and bias; disruptions in her education; limited future opportunities. “Rather than learning about how they can make a difference in the world, many girls’ voices are silenced (United Nations Foundation).” And schools often do not have special provisions to empower these girls. Girls however “deserve to participate in their communities, advocate for their rights, and be role models for other girls (United Nations Foundation).” Research shows that if adolescent girls are empowered, they “have the ability to bring unprecedented social and economic change to their families and communities (Dasra, 2010).”
Why Visual Art & Design?
Art & design can change the way people see their world, open them up to new ideas, and connect them with others. Art and design have the ability to inspire dialogue and catalyze positive social change. Engagements with community-based art and design projects can foster empowerment through individual reflection, identity formation, as well as group cohesion and a sense of community. When artists and designers have the opportunity to contribute their unique skills, they can serve as a powerful force to further the well-being of others.
Benefits of Becoming a Project EMPOW[HER] Fellow?
Project EMPOW[HER] Fellows will gain access to:
- Trainings and workshops that offer practical tools to make a difference
- Meaningful grassroots level work experience that leads to the empowerment of young adolescent girls
- Visibility and a platform to share the projects co-created with the girls
- A stipend of Rs.12,000 a month for the duration of the fellowship programme (i.e. 6 months)
- Separate project funds to execute a visual art/design-based project with adolescent girls
Click Here to Apply: https://goo.gl/forms/BHK0Qa5CnGMR0SOg2
Application Closes: Friday, July 27, 2018
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Who is this programme ideal for?
2. How can I apply?
To apply to the Project EMPOW[HER] Fellowship programme, please click here https://goo.gl/forms/BHK0Qa5CnGMR0SOg2 to fill out and submit an Application Form.
3. What are the different stages of the application process?
4. When is the application deadline?
The application closes on Friday, July 27, 2018.
5. What is the duration of the Fellowship Programme?
Project EMPOW[HER] is a 6-month Fellowship programme (October 2018 - end-March 2019).
6. What will my 6 months look like?
The Project EMPOW[HER] Fellowship is divided into 4 phases:
Phase 1 - Induction, Orientation & Capacity-Building Trainings
Fellows entering the programme will undergo orientation and induction training to build deeper understanding about the scope of the programme. Carefully curated professional development trainings will also aim to build the capacity of Fellows.
Phase 2 - Community Immersion and Planning
During this phase, through various preliminary interactions and exploratory opportunities, Fellows will gain a deeper understanding of the girls they're placed with, and the community context they're working within. Interactions with the girls will also enable them to include the girls in the preliminary planning process. Once Fellows have gathered the necessary information, they will be given the time to reflect and create a detailed plan for a project that they would execute along with the girls. Fellows are also expected to draw out a detailed budget of how they plan to utilize assigned project funds, and once funds are approved and released, purchase the necessary supplies.
Phase 3 - Project Implementation
During this phase, the Fellows will begin working with the girls to co-create an art/design project. During this time, Fellows will be immersed in all aspects of the process, facilitating sessions with the girls, collaborating with various stakeholders, maintaining supplies, submitting periodic field reports, etc.
Phase 4 - Project Presentation
In the final phase, Fellows and their assigned group of girls will be given a platform to present their work to the public. This platform is intended to give the Fellows and the girls the opportunity to create impact and spark broader change.
7. Is there travel involved?
Yes. Travel within Bangalore, to the school or community-based organization you will be working with is part of the Fellowship, as is travel to our office in the city for scheduled meetings
8. What is the Fellowship stipend?
Project EMPOW[HER] Fellows will receive a stipend of Rs. 12,000 a month
9. What is the project budget?
Project EMPOW[HER] Fellows will receive a project budget for supplies and other project related costs of upto Rs. 50,000
- Those who identify as visual artists or designers—i.e. painters, muralists, sculptors, printmakers, mixed-media artists, digital artists, photographers, graphic/communication designers, product designers, textile designers, animators, film makers, etc.—anyone with a creative practice who is eager to explore the powerful intersections of visual art, design, and social transformation.
- Those passionate about empowering young girls.
- Those who have recently graduated from university looking for a meaningful experience to help jumpstart their career.
- Those who are currently working but looking for practical experiences to help transition into a more meaningful career with social impact.
- Those who can commit to a period of 6 months and can attend all program-related activities
2. How can I apply?
To apply to the Project EMPOW[HER] Fellowship programme, please click here https://goo.gl/forms/BHK0Qa5CnGMR0SOg2 to fill out and submit an Application Form.
3. What are the different stages of the application process?
- Step 1 - Fill out Fellowship Application Form (May - end-July 2018)
- Step 2 - Shortlisted candidates will be invited for a first round personal interview (August 2018)
- Step 3 - Shortlisted candidates will be invited for a second round interview, including portfolio review (late-August 2018)
- Step 4 - References will be checked for shortlisted candidates (late-August - early-September 2018)
- Step 5 - Final candidates selected for the Project EMPOW[HER] Fellowship programme will be announced (September 2018)
4. When is the application deadline?
The application closes on Friday, July 27, 2018.
5. What is the duration of the Fellowship Programme?
Project EMPOW[HER] is a 6-month Fellowship programme (October 2018 - end-March 2019).
6. What will my 6 months look like?
The Project EMPOW[HER] Fellowship is divided into 4 phases:
Phase 1 - Induction, Orientation & Capacity-Building Trainings
Fellows entering the programme will undergo orientation and induction training to build deeper understanding about the scope of the programme. Carefully curated professional development trainings will also aim to build the capacity of Fellows.
Phase 2 - Community Immersion and Planning
During this phase, through various preliminary interactions and exploratory opportunities, Fellows will gain a deeper understanding of the girls they're placed with, and the community context they're working within. Interactions with the girls will also enable them to include the girls in the preliminary planning process. Once Fellows have gathered the necessary information, they will be given the time to reflect and create a detailed plan for a project that they would execute along with the girls. Fellows are also expected to draw out a detailed budget of how they plan to utilize assigned project funds, and once funds are approved and released, purchase the necessary supplies.
Phase 3 - Project Implementation
During this phase, the Fellows will begin working with the girls to co-create an art/design project. During this time, Fellows will be immersed in all aspects of the process, facilitating sessions with the girls, collaborating with various stakeholders, maintaining supplies, submitting periodic field reports, etc.
Phase 4 - Project Presentation
In the final phase, Fellows and their assigned group of girls will be given a platform to present their work to the public. This platform is intended to give the Fellows and the girls the opportunity to create impact and spark broader change.
7. Is there travel involved?
Yes. Travel within Bangalore, to the school or community-based organization you will be working with is part of the Fellowship, as is travel to our office in the city for scheduled meetings
8. What is the Fellowship stipend?
Project EMPOW[HER] Fellows will receive a stipend of Rs. 12,000 a month
9. What is the project budget?
Project EMPOW[HER] Fellows will receive a project budget for supplies and other project related costs of upto Rs. 50,000