Arts and Activism

The Public Affairs Section (PAS) of the U.S. Embassy in Kabul, Afghanistan is pleased to announce an open competition for eligible organizations to submit applications to carry out a project that enables civil society activists and artists to bring their key messages to life using a variety of artistic mediums. Based on funding availability, this project will support art-focused organizations or non-governmental organizations who partner with artists to articulate key messages related to peace and reconciliation, tolerance and peace, and respect for the rights for all, through visual art, music, drama, and film to bring about positive changes in society. Tying these key messages with the appropriate medium will help established community organizations communicate in new ways that resonate with different segments of society. By opening new avenues of communication through the arts, the project will broaden the ability of civil society activists to raise public awareness and strengthen their efforts to advocate effectively for peace and reconciliation, tolerance and unity, and respect for the rights of all citizens. Artistic and advocacy capabilities are critical to the success of this project. Art-based organizations who do not have advocacy and community engagement expertise may need to partner with an NGO that has these capabilities. NGOs that do not have knowledge of and expertise in the proposed artistic medium will likely need to partner with artists or an arts-based NGO to successfully carry out this project. PAS intends to issue an award for a period of 24 months (base period) with the option to extend for one additional 12-month period.