We are seeking an experienced supplier to research and map festivals in ASEAN, including Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Viet Nam, Thailand, Singapore, Brunei, Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar and Timor Leste.
About the opportunity
This new research project will build on the Festivals in South East Asia (2022) mapping report. Researchers and organisations globally are invited to apply, and consortium/collaborative proposals are welcomed. The budget is £30,000 including VAT. This is an ASEAN-UK ACE project. The ASEAN-UK Advancing Creative Economy (ACE) programme aims to strengthen the creative economy and empower professionals and policymakers in ASEAN, by fostering collaboration and professional development, providing new research, resources, and knowledge exchanges. The programme is delivered by British Council in partnership with the ASEAN Secretariat, with co-funding from UK’s FCDO.
Research questions
Why are festivals important within ASEAN countries?
- Provide an up-to-date evidence base of festivals in ASEAN countries. Map the ecosystem of festivals across ASEAN including needs, growth, strengths, opportunities, quality and cultural diversity, building on the Festivals in South East Asia report.
- Present clear and concise summaries at the country and ASEAN level
Through a brief literature and policy snapshot: what is the existing context on:
- Festivals in ASEAN countries including international exchange within ASEAN festivals and the social, cultural, economic and inclusive growth value of festivals.
The research will consider the policy landscape particularly the UK government Growth Strategy (e.g. impact from the economic growth angle), the ASEAN Strategic Plan on Culture and Arts (2016-2025, with new work plan underway), and Malaysia’s Chairmanship of the ASEAN theme: Bridging Cultures, Building Futures: Unity in Diversity.
Research aims
- Support the ASEAN region creative economy; government agencies; and the policy environment within the region.
- Strengthen capacity of ASEAN policymakers and practitioners in the creative economy.
- Feed into British Council programme development, particularly in evidencing the need to develop interventions or programmes targeted to support the Festival sector.
- Amplified cultural exchange and collaboration between the UK and ASEAN member states.
- Enhanced quality and diversity of festivals within the ASEAN region.
- Connect with UK organisations interested to better understand the opportunities and challenges in ASEAN countries. Informing UK to connect with festivals in ASEAN countries.
- Contribute knowledge to the value of international collaboration through festivals.
- Enhance knowledge of developments in festivals research.
Outputs and deadlines
Complete by end April 2025
A consolidated draft but finished report responding to the research questions and project aims, tailored to the stated audiences and considering the policy landscape. The report will include recommendations to support the festival sector, including specific recommendations to the British Council.
By Wednesday 14 May 2025
Full findings and written report, using the British Council Word template.
May 2025
Three presentations with discussion of the research findings.
Key application dates
| Activity | Date |
| RFP Issued to bidding suppliers | Thursday 28 November 2024 |
| Deadline for clarification questions (Clarification Deadline) | Thursday 12 December 2024 |
| Deadline to apply (response deadline) | Monday 6 January 2025 |
| Final Decision | Friday 10 January 2025 |
| Contract concluded with winning supplier | By Wednesday 15 January 2025 |
How to apply
This page shows a summarised version of the brief. For a full outline of the research commission, download the Request for Proposals document.
To apply, complete a Supplier Response Form and a Pricing Approach. The Supplier Response form asks you to answer a series of questions, and the pricing approach covers your project budget. Register (if you have not already) for free on our procurement platform In-Tend to ask us any clarification questions, and to submit your application ahead of the deadline.