Dhaka Art Summit

About the opportunity

Now in its fifth edition, the Dhaka Art Summit (DAS) is a hub for art and architecture in South Asia, held at the Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy, in the People’s Republic of Bangladesh.

Rejecting the traditional biennale format to create a more generative space for art and exchange, DAS’s interdisciplinary programme endeavours to catalyse a rich context for research and artistic production in the future by empowering artists and the public through its exhibition, education, and public programmes.

DAS 2020 connects widely across the global south based on shared struggles rather than current geopolitical definitions. The Samdani Artist Led Initiatives Forum at DAS 2020 will also support a public learning space for workshops and engagement between and across collectives spanning the global south.

The Australia Council invites applications from collectives with artistic, research, writing and/or curatorial practices. Individual artists, curators and/or writers breaking away from hierarchal models and exploring collaborative strategies are also encouraged to apply. This is an exciting capacity building opportunity particularly suited to emerging and mid-career practitioners with a focus in the global south.

The Australia Council will lead a cluster of creative collectives and individuals to DAS 2020 from 7 – 15 February 2020.


Travel support

The levels of funding support available are

  1. $5,000 per collective (collective must have at least two members) or
  2. $2,500 per individual

Funding is intended to be directed towards return flights from Australia to Bangladesh, accommodation, visa and travel insurance. Any additional travel, living away from home costs, additional accommodation costs and all other incidental costs are the responsibility of individual participants.

Please note it is the responsibility of successful applicants to book their own travel and accommodation and to cover any additional costs.

The Australia Council invites applications from collectives with artistic, research, writing and/or curatorial practices. Individual artists, curators and/or writers breaking away from hierarchal models and exploring collaborative strategies are also encouraged to apply.

Please check the general eligibility requirements on the Australia Council website.

You are required to respond to the following selection criteria:

  1. The impact of the project in developing future opportunities in South and South East Asia and enhancing your relationships in South and South East Asia;
  2. Demonstrated understanding of, and commitment to, the global south in your practice;
  3. Evidence of an expanded understanding of collaborative strategies and collective values; and
  4. The timeliness of this opportunity and a demonstrated ability to plan and deliver on any international outcomes that may arise.

The Australia Council encourages applications from applicants who identify as First Nations, from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, people with disability, and people living in regional and remote areas.

The Australia Council’s programs and processes are designed for accessibility and best use by a diverse demographic. We work with individual applicants to find the best approach to accommodating access, childcare, carer and other support needs. Please contact us at least 2 weeks prior to the closing date to discuss your access and support requirements.

No supporting material or submitted budget is required.

Australia Council staff will consider applications according to the selection criteria above and will seek recommendations by industry advisors as needed.

You will be informed of the outcome of your application by early October 2019.

If you plan to have your grant administered by a third party, applicants will now need to ensure that the administrator is registered on the Australia Council online system before you begin your application. This means you cannot complete or submit an application if your administrator is not registered.

Click on the ‘Apply Now’ button at the bottom of this page. Applications must be submitted via the Australia Council’s online Application Management System (AMS).

You will need to register for access to the AMS, instructions for how to do this can be found on the landing page once you have clicked on the ‘Apply Now’ button.

Make sure you register well before the closing date. It can take up to two business days to process your registration.

Please contact us at if you are unsure if you should register as an individual or on behalf of an organisation.

Note: Applications to International Development funding opportunities do not count as an application to the Australia Council Grants Program.

If you are applying as an organisation, please specify the staff member(s) who will participate in this activity as part of your application. If this changes, please notify us as early as possible as this may affect the status of your application.