We are seeking an experienced research supplier to provide an examination of diverse examples and approaches of how arts and culture have addressed fragility, peace and stability in different contexts.
About the opportunity
This research builds on the findings and recommendations of the previous British Council commissioned Art of Peace report produced by the University of West Scotland. The aim of the research is to expand British Council’s knowledge about the role of arts and culture in various contexts as well as to inform the organisation’s future business development work.
Possible focus countries for this commission which are to be agreed and finalised during the inception period:
- Colombia
- Myanmar
- Northern Ireland and Ireland
- Sri Lanka
- Sudan
- Ukraine
- Western Balkans
Researchers and organisations globally, including multidisciplinary teams, are invited to apply, and consortium/collaborative proposals are welcomed.
Budget
The budget is £50,000 including VAT and all travel.
Research questions
An examination of diverse examples of how arts and culture have addressed fragility, peace and stability in a range of different contexts both within British Council projects and also in non-British Council projects:
1. Within the conflict affected space, what are the creative / artistic practices that work to support key outcomes? What are the lessons learned where these approaches haven’t worked?
a. Storytelling: sharing narratives, unpicking stereotypes and increasing shared awareness and understanding.
b. Identity and voice: creating and strengthening individual and group identity, positive reinforcement.
c. Engaging with diaspora: engagement with displaced individuals and groups to potential benefit of diaspora members and those who have remained in the country of origin.
d. Learning skills: increasing creative, cultural and social capital and potentially creating economic benefit.
2. How can these approaches foster inclusivity and cultural diversity, and take a 'do no harm' approach?
3. A set of ten qualitative case studies from both British Council projects and non-British Council which highlight both question one and two.
Outputs
Research Inception Report and Workshop
- An inception workshop with the British Council team to align expectations, refine the research scope, and finalize deliverables.
- A detailed research inception report, outlining the methodology, timeline within the margins of this RFP, and key objectives.
Comprehensive Final Report
- A final research report adhering to the British Council report structure, inclusive of case studies and actionable recommendations.
- An executive summary tailored for policymakers and stakeholders. Please note this report will be peer reviewed and feedback will likely be provided on changes to the report that might need to be made before conclusion of the contract.
- Key findings slide deck and infographics.
- A concise slide deck summarising key findings and recommendations, designed for presentations and dissemination.
- Visually engaging infographics that distils complex points into clear, impactful visuals. These will be adaptable for use in digital and print media.
- Stakeholder Engagement Webinars.
- Two interactive webinars to share research findings, tailored to different audience segments (e.g., policymakers, cultural organizations, academics).
- Webinars will include live Q&A sessions and supplementary materials to enhance engagement and understanding.
Key application dates
The term for this research is January 2025 to December 2025.
| Activity | Date/time |
| RFP Issued to bidding suppliers | 19 December 2024 |
| Deadline for clarification questions (Clarification Deadline) | 23.59 GMT, 12 January 2025 |
| British Council to respond to clarification questions | 14 January 2025 |
| Deadline for submission of RFP responses by potential suppliers (response deadline) | 23.59 GMT, 26 January 2025 |
| Final decision | 31 January 2025 |
| Contract concluded with winning supplier | 9 February 2025 |
| Contract start date | 10 February 2025 |
| Initial draft report due | Early September 2025 ahead of the UNESCO Mondiacult Conference in Spain |
| Final report due | Early December 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.