Climate futures: An initiative that supports artist-led climate solutions in South Asia

In a move to champion creative climate action, the British Council—the UK’s international organization for cultural relations and educational opportunities—has announced the 11 beneficiaries of its 2025 Climate Futures: South Asia programme. This pioneering initiative empowers artists and cultural organizations across India, Bangladesh, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka to develop and implement innovative, artist-led solutions to address the climate crisis and foster sustainable change within their communities.

Through grants, mentorship, and collaborative support, the 2025 Climate Futures: South Asia grantees will lead impactful projects focusing on cultural preservation, community engagement, and environmental resilience. The programme aims to elevate the arts as a vital force in climate action, strengthen grassroots responses, and nurture meaningful UK–South Asia collaborations.

Speaking about the programme, Alison Barrett MBE, Country Director India at the British Council, said: “These projects are more than just creative expressions—they are essential responses to the urgent need for climate action. By supporting these visionary initiatives, we are helping to safeguard cultural heritage, promote sustainability, and empower communities across India and the region to take meaningful action on climate change. We believe the ripple effects of these projects will inspire others to join the movement. In India, such initiatives bring together the country’s deep-rooted cultural traditions with bold, innovative climate solutions, driving meaningful, community-led change for a more resilient future.”

Adding to this, Jill Richens, British Council Regional Arts Director, South Asia, noted:
“The grantees of Climate Futures: South Asia are leading the charge in using the power of art to confront the climate emergency. These projects demonstrate the ability of culture to spark action and inspire communities to adapt, preserve, and innovate. We are thrilled to support them and look forward to the lasting impact they will have—both locally and globally. This is just the beginning; we hope to see even more groundbreaking projects emerge from the region in the future.”

The 2025 Climate Futures: South Asia grantees are spearheading diverse and impactful projects across the region. Using creative arts as a vehicle for climate engagement, the selected initiatives include:

• India:
  Emerging Ecologies, documenting reforestation efforts;
  Mapping Nature’s Palette, promoting sustainable dyeing practices.
  
• Bangladesh:
  Crafting Togetherness, preserving traditional crafts;
  Discovering Matarbari Folk Tales, archiving local heritage;
  Shak Pitari, capturing women's ecological knowledge.
  
• Nepal:
  Carbon Footprint Mapping for artisans;
  Enhancing Women's Climate Resilience through storytelling.
  
• Pakistan:
  Eco Block Tower, raising awareness about ecosystem diversity;
  Weaving Together, promoting coastal resilience through textile art.
  
• Sri Lanka:
  Circular Creative Companions, advocating for sustainable exhibition practices;
  Regenerating South Asian Climate Futures, encouraging cross-sector collaboration in biodiversity hotspots.
  

Each project exemplifies the transformative potential of art in addressing the climate emergency—fostering dialogue, amplifying community voices, and inspiring sustainable action.