What is Gender Bender?

Gender Bender is a one-of-its-kind annual festival held in Bangalore, India. It showcases new works of art that re-examine and re-imagine the spectrum that is gender. What started as a platform to display the works of the grantees has, over the last nine years, grown into a much needed and recognised space for important conversations that aim to contribute to our constantly evolving understanding of gender and its implications – including the need for intersectionality, with artists and audiences alike. The festival showcases works created by the grantees, and also includes curated performances, panel discussions, exhibitions and workshops.

Who can apply?

The opportunity is open to individuals and collectives working in the arts to create new and original* work around the idea of gender. Participants are encouraged to approach this theme in a critical way, in relation to their own perspective. The artistic contributions can take any form of expression across different media – from dance to drawing, photography to pottery, mixed media to mime, and everything in between, so long as it is new work that can be presented, performed, screened, or exhibited to an audience.

*The proposed project should not have already had a public showcase / performance.
* Former Gender Bender grantees are not eligible to apply.
* Applications from marginalised and underserved communities are encouraged.

How to Apply

1. Fill in the Gender Bender 2024 Application Form
2. Include relevant samples of your previous work (any three), and supporting material: a) A maximum of five photographs of previous work. b) Video links of previous work (optional)Upload all relevant material to your Google Drive, and share an editable link in the form. Title the shared folder as “Your Name – Application”.*If English is not your preferred language, please send an application in your language or write to us to explore other options.

Deadline : August 31, 2024

Jury : An independent panel, comprising eminent individuals from various fields, will shortlist the projects to be supported.

*Names of Jury members will only be disclosed after the selection process Selection announcement: October 5, 2024.

Festival Dates : 27-30 November 2024

Location : Bangalore

The Gender Bender 2024 grant includes a maximum grant amount of INR 75,000 towards the creation of the work, awarded at the discretion of the panel with due reference to your proposal and budget. A stipulated amount will be available towards travel and accommodation costs. Selected projects will be presented in Bangalore between November 27-30, 2024.

Gender Bender is conceived, conceptualised, and curated by Sandbox Collective, and is a join project of Sandbox Collective and the Goethe-Institut / Max Mueller Bhavan Bangalore.

APPLY HERE

For more information please contact, sandboxcollective.projects@gmail.com
Visit, sandboxcollective.org