Short Description

By 2030, two-thirds of the world’s population will live in cities. Rapid urbanisation is driving unprecedented change, and governments are increasingly challenged to respond effectively. Cities are now at the forefront of addressing many of the most pressing issues of our time, from climate change to social equity.
Culture plays a vital role in meeting these challenges. It contributes to economic growth through the creative economy, strengthens tourism, supports social cohesion, and enables a shift in mindsets that is essential for building sustainable, resilient urban futures.
To further this agenda, World Cities Culture Forum (WCCF) and the British Council are partnering on a research project to engage up to five Southeast Asian cities. The aims are to:

  • Build a deeper understanding of the cultural policy landscape across the region.
  • Highlight Southeast Asian leadership and best practice in culture-led approaches to sustainable urban development.
  • Strengthen WCCF’s presence in Southeast Asia and foster long-term collaborations between cities in the region and the global network.
    The five cities selected for this research are:
  • Jakarta, Indonesia
  • Bangkok, Thailand
  • Hanoi, Vietnam
  • Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
  • Metro Manila, The Philippines

World Cities Culture Forum and the British Council are commissioning a researcher (individual or team) to produce a high-quality report on cultural policy in five Southeast Asian cities: Jakarta, Bangkok, Hanoi, Kuala Lumpur, and Metro Manila.

Methodology & Research Expectation

The researcher will be expected to:

  • Conduct a desk review of existing research (including material provided by WCCF and the British Council)
  • Engage stakeholders via online roundtables and interviews
  • Deliver a compelling and accessible final report that includes data-driven analysis, practical case studies, and clearly presented findings.
  • Build on existing work by the World Cities Culture Forum and the British Council, both globally and in Southeast Asia, contributing new insights that support regional engagement and global learning.
  • Work collaboratively with WCCF and the British Council to refine the research scope, access regional contacts, and ensure relevance and uptake of the findings.
  • The researcher or organisation may choose to work with local researchers based in each of the five cities to support contextual understanding and stakeholder access.

Eligibility

We particularly welcome applications from researchers based in Southeast Asia or with significant regional expertise.

Submission Requirements

  • A short proposal (maximum 2 pages) outlining:
    o Your proposed methodology and approach to the brief
    o Relevant experience and networks in Southeast Asia
  • A CV (or biographies of team members)
  • One or two relevant writing samples or publications

How to Apply

Online Application

Program Benefits & Awards

The fee for this project is GBP £12,000 (inclusive of all fees, taxes or expenses) to be paid by World
Cities Culture Forum.
This fee covers:

  • All research activities, including desk research, survey development, stakeholder engagement and interviews
  • Drafting of the full report (approx. 30 pages)
  • Editing and refining the final report, including the incorporation of feedback from both commissioning partners.
  • Liaison with the report designer to ensure the final output is accurate, consistent, and publication-ready.

Entry Fee

None

Location

United Kingdom

Timeline

  • Application Deadline: 24 October 2025

Website Link: https://worldcitiescultureforum.com/2025/09/16/research-tender-cultural-policy-in-southeast-asian-cities/

GrantProject