IFCD | Results of the last cycle

"Digital Creative Industries in Egypt: Supporting and Strengthening the Emerging Local New Media Art Scene and its Artists in a gender balanced way, via promotional mechanisms and a program for cross-cultural collaboration and development”

Project ID: 2018-1308

Name of applicant:

FILE FESTIVAL INTERNACIONAL DE LINGUAGEM ELETRONICA

Country of applicant:

Brazil

Type of applicant:

NGO

Amount requested:

99.810,00

Beneficiary country(ies):

Brazil, Egypt

Status:

Non Recommended

Total Score: 23.5

IFCD Submissions details

Project Applications submitted by INGOs do not require the pre-selection of a National Commission.

IFCD Submissions details

Eligibility | Technical Assessment

IFCD Eligibility form - p-cambier - 05/31/2018 - 14:44

Submitted by p-cambier on 31 May 2018

Eligibility Status:

Eligible

Technical Examination

Submitted by the deadline:

Yes

Application Form submitted either in English or French:

Yes

Maximum amount requested is US$ 100,000 or below:

Yes

Project implementation period is between 12 and 24 months:

Yes

All sections of the Form are completed:

Yes

Signature of applicant:

Yes

The applicant does not have an ongoing IFCD funded project:

Yes

Falls within the areas of intervention of IFCD:

Yes

IF PARTY OR NGO

Party to the 2005 Convention from developing countries:

Yes

Official document/ statutes (with English or French translation if necessary):

Yes

IFCD Submissions details

Experts Evaluations

EVALUATION GRID
8 points	The project proposal addresses perfectly all relevant aspect of the criterion under consideration. The answer provides all the information needed and there are no concerns or areas of weakness
6-7 points	The proposal addressed the criterion well, although some improvements could be made. The answer gives clear information on all or nearly all of the evidence needed.
5-4 points	The project proposal broadly addresses the criterion, but there are still some weaknesses. The answer gives some relevant information, but there are several areas where detail is lacking or the information is unclear.
3-2 points	The project proposal does not entirely address the criterion or cannot be judged properly due to missing or incomplete information. The answer does not necessarily address the question asked, or gives very little relevant information.
1 point	The project proposal barely addresses the criterion. There is a clear lack of relevant information that makes it extremely difficult to judge whether the question asked is addressed.
0 points	The project proposal fails to address the criterion or cannot be assessed due to the lack of pertinent information. The answer does not address the question asked, or does not provide relevant information.

Expert 1

Sub-Total Expert 1 : 12

IFCD Expert Evaluation form - f_farhat - 06/28/2018 - 00:16

Submitted by f_farhat on 28 Jun 2018

Brief summary of the project:

The project offers cultural exchange activities between Brazil and Egypt's contemporary electronic and digital art scene and conduct a series of innovative, creative and collaborative digital art activities (an international new media art residency comprised of 8 new media artists selected from Egypt, the Global South (Latin America & North Africa) a series of capacity-building and knowledge transfer workshops, a new media art exhibition – to promote the new creations and productions born from the residency and workshops and to launch a digital online platform to enhance promotional mechanisms, guarantee greater visibility of artists' activities, goods, services and support South-North future collaborations. The projectis lead by women yet offers its services to both men and women.

1. RELEVANCE AND APPROPRIATENESS OF THE PROJECT TO THE OBJECTIVES AND AREAS OF INTERVENTION OF THE IFCD

1.1 Please describe how the project objectives and proposed impact/long-term benefits are aligned with at least one of the IFCD’s outcomes and associated expected results.:

ER 2.1. Policy, advocacy and promotional mechanisms are in place to improve access to local, national or global markets for cultural goods and services ER 2.2. Networks and initiatives, with a focus on North-South-South cooperation, that support and facilitate the mobility of artists and cultural professionals from the global South. As per outcome 4, the proposal makes the case that it is aligned with outcome 4: E 4.1 and E 4.2. However, I feel that the focus on women is overlooked throughout the project.

1.2 How do the objectives of this project proposal meet the current needs and priorities of the country/ region in terms of cultural policies and/or cultural industries?:

Well, yes in the case of digital creative industries. Unclear as per women and digital creative industries. Again, even the background does not outline the principal challenges that face women artists in Egypt.

1.3 To what extent are the project’s objectives specific and measurable?:

The objectives are very clear, concise and measurable.

1.4 To what extent does the project contribute to the promotion of gender equality, the empowerment of youth, South-South and North-South-South cooperation and/or the participation of various groups in the areas of intervention of the IFCD?:

The project fosters south – south cooperation. I cannot see how the project will contribute to the promotion of gender equality specifically

Score:

2. FEASIBILITY OF THE PROJECT, AS WELL AS THE RELEVANCE AND EFFECTIVENESS OF ITS MODALITIES OF EXECUTION

2.1 What elements demonstrate the applicant’s organizational capacity (main activities of the institution/organization) and competence (skills and background of staff) to implement the work plan and manage the budget?:

The main applicant is a strong organization and the staff suggested is quite strong and well qualified as well.

2.2 To what extent do the activities address relevant issues? Please explain how the methodology is appropriate to achieving the objectives?:

I find the activities relevant to south south cross-cultural collaboration in the form of an international new media art residency comprised of 8 new media artists selected from Egypt, the Global South (Latin America) and also on the level of capacity building in the digital creative industries. I still miss the focus on women.

2.3 To what extent is the time frame realistic and coherent with the activities?:

To a large extents

2.4 Have the direct and indirect beneficiaries of the project been clearly identified? To what extent are the outputs/deliverables and main activities relevant to the target beneficiaries and address their needs?:

Yes they have been clearly identified, I believe that the outputs and activities are relevant to them. The particularity of female artists is altogether not addressed.

Score:

3. FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT AND ACCOUNTABILITY

3.1 Does the budget provide for adequate resources (salaries, fees, equipment, travel, communication, etc.) necessary for success of the project? If the budget has been overestimated or underestimated, please explain how.:

Yes it does. The budget seems in line with the proposed activities.

3.2 What proportion of the budget is allocated to project activities versus overhead costs? Does the budget seem adequate and overhead costs estimated in compliance with the limit to a maximum of 30% of the total project budget?:

Salaries are 36 % of the total budget requested. Overheads is 7.7 %. Total is: 43.7 % of total budget.

3.3 Does the project proposal indicate any additional financial contributions to the project, such as co-funding and/or self- funding?:

Less than 5000 $ of total cost. In shape of in kind contribution.

3.4 What actions have been foreseen to ensure financial accountability (e.g. Involvement of a financial officer)?:

The proposal suggests that an accountant will work on set yet this is not reflected in the budget. No mention of audit. An admin and finance officer will oversee the whole financial process.

Score :

4. IMPACT AND EXPECTED RESULTS, INCLUDING POTENTIAL FOR STRUCTURAL CHANGE

4.1 Are the project’s expected outputs and/or deliverables concrete, measurable and realistic? To what extent are they likely to achieve the objectives of the project?:

Yes they are. They are likely to achieve the objectives bearing in mind that none of the objectives is women specific.

4.2 To what extent are the main activities and the budget relevant and appropriate to achieving the intended outputs and/or deliverables?:

The proposed activities are clear and direct. The budget lines are detailed. Both seem appropriate to achieving the intended outputs.

4.3 To what extent is it expected that this project will have an impact/long-term benefits on the country/region’s cultural policies and/or cultural industries?:

The project is a collaborative one between brazil and Egypt yet most of the activities of the project will be implemented in Egypt. The projects aim to create a database of existing digital artists. This is really important and stands at the foundation of any expected policy work. The project will also give an opportunity for various non-artistic communities to gain awareness and be engaged allowing for possible future policy change.

4.4 To what extent does the project demonstrate potential for structural change (for example: changes in the policy environment; far-reaching changes in public and professional organizational structures; and changes in the way government and regulatory authorities do business)?:

The project can raise awareness to the need to develop the DCIs in Egypt which might lead to some policy change (though the security situation in Egypt might not allow for it now).

Score:

5. SUSTAINABILITY

5.1 To what extent are contractors and partners involved in the implementation of the project’s activities? Has the role of each contractor and/or partner been clearly described?:

Yes the partners and contractors are clear and their roles are well described.

5.2 How does the project relate to and/or complement the work that is already being carried out in the country/region in terms of cultural policies and/or industries?:

The project complements other activities implemented by cultural civil society in Egypt. However, there is virtually no dialogue now between civil society and the government in the country.

5.3 What measures/steps are proposed to ensure that the project’s impact/long-term benefits can be achieved?:

Capacity-building at individual level with artists – in terms of technical know-how as well as mentorship support, advisory support, connection to local art organizations interested in continuing to give them a platform Start to building a community – led by a local established and strong NGO that can continue the work after that Supporting the artists and emerging community by informing and involving a number of strategic local, regional and global partners Starting to build an online platform – as a promotional tool for artists and means for them to gain visibility online and at international level

5.4 What measures/steps are proposed to follow up with the beneficiaries of the project after its completion?:

Creating a whatsapp group and a facebook group where notifications and updates can easily be shared. - Create a longer-term partnership with FabLab New Cairo (or other makerspace) to continue conducting new media workshops supported by them - through the fabrication venue, equipment, supplies, and technical assistance - Making sure that the Cairotronica / DI-Egy teams, D-CAF as well as other art organizations know the works that have been created and the potential of each identified artists (and including the artist's profiles in their own database of artists) to continue offering them new local opportunities and platforms for dissemination

Score:

Overall evaluation:

I really like the project. It is well written and clear and can potentially be a very successful project. However, it lacks a direct focus on women!

Expert 2

Sub-Total Expert 2 : 11.5

IFCD Expert Evaluation form - C_VILLASENOR - 07/03/2018 - 16:55

Submitted by C_VILLASENOR on 03 Jul 2018

Brief summary of the project:

The project is aimed to identify digital artists in Egypt and promote their visibility and S-S & N-S collaboration, develop a one-month art creating residence for 8 digital artists and 8 traditional artists, produce an exhibition of their works, develop 8 new technologies workshops, have general public awareness activities and develop an online platform.

1. RELEVANCE AND APPROPRIATENESS OF THE PROJECT TO THE OBJECTIVES AND AREAS OF INTERVENTION OF THE IFCD

1.1 Please describe how the project objectives and proposed impact/long-term benefits are aligned with at least one of the IFCD’s outcomes and associated expected results.:

Nevertheless, that the applicant includes a description of the project´s impact on the IFCD´s outcomes, but it does entirely addresses the criterion. ER 2.1. Policy, advocacy and promotional mechanisms are in place to improve access to local, national or global markets for cultural goods and services: The applicant will put in place promotional mechanisms to improve visibility of the Egyptian new media art scene and identified digital artists. Mainly a digital online platform. ER 2.2. Networks and initiatives, with a focus on North-South-South cooperation, that support and facilitate the mobility of artists and cultural professionals from the global South: Applicant will build meaningful partnerships and networks with various types of arts organizations; new media arts organizations, festivals which seek to promote this kind of content. Its local partnership with Townhouse gallery (established in Egypt 20 years ago), will enable us to guarantee that the project gains momentum locally/beyond. As an established NGO from the Global South (Brazil) will allow to the Egyptian artists to be properly introduced to the applicant´s Latin-American networks. ER 4.1. Women’s representation as creators and producers of cultural expressions is increased through strengthened professional networks and capacity development: The project´s aim will not be to solely promote women at the expense of men artists, but to truly strike a healthy balance with equal representation, enabling the greatest and richest types of collaboration. ER 4.2. Specific policy measures and /or funding mechanisms are introduced to encourage and improve equitable access to cultural activities, goods and services: The applicant will be locally partnering with two NGOs:Townhouse, Medrar, CIC, Mahotot, D-CAF. The applicant will also be building regional and international partnerships, and working through online platforms, in order that the Egyptian artists showcase and have a new funding opportunities.

1.2 How do the objectives of this project proposal meet the current needs and priorities of the country/ region in terms of cultural policies and/or cultural industries?:

The applicant describes the work of two local independent festivals, but does not describe how the project meets specific needs of the country, in terms of cultural or cultural industries policies

1.3 To what extent are the project’s objectives specific and measurable?:

The project´s objectives are not too specific, so it could be difficult to measure its fulfilment.

The applicant describes that the project´s aim will not be to solely promote women at the expense of men artists, but to truly strike a healthy balance with equal representation, enabling the greatest and richest types of collaboration. The project will contribute to build a relationship between artist coming from global South and North, which cannot be considered that is building a S-S or N-S cooperation in term of country´s cultural policy building or implementation.

Score:

2. FEASIBILITY OF THE PROJECT, AS WELL AS THE RELEVANCE AND EFFECTIVENESS OF ITS MODALITIES OF EXECUTION

The applicant is a strong and well Latin-America-positioned NGO, and its staff has the competences to implement the project. However, in the project it is not perceived that the Brazilian NGO has already built all the solid relationships that are necessary and will allow to fully develop these strengths in Egypt.

2.2 To what extent do the activities address relevant issues? Please explain how the methodology is appropriate to achieving the objectives?:

The activities address relevant issues and the methodology is appropriate to achieve the objectives. However, it is important to remember that the call for the U40 empowerment program is aimed at supporting women under 40 who are cultural entrepreneurs working in digital creative industries, which is not sufficiently emphasized in the actions or methodology.

2.3 To what extent is the time frame realistic and coherent with the activities?:

The time-frame is realistic and coherent, however delays in the implementation of the project can be derived from the fact that the spaces where the exhibitions and workshops will be held have not yet been arranged.

The direct and indirect beneficiaries are sufficiently identified, and the deliverables address their needs, but only deliverable 1 describe as an output to select four female U40 digital artists.

Score:

3. FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT AND ACCOUNTABILITY

Its suggested to the NGO give a second look to the following expenditures: Website / Art Platform development and App $4,500 which may be overestimated. Filmography / Photography during some of the workshops for artists, the one month residency and for the final exhibition ……. $ 8,000 which could not be indispensable for the project´s execution.

The budget includes a specified overhead amount that represents 8% of the total requested amount for overhead costs, which is in compliance with the maximum of 30%of the total project budget.

3.3 Does the project proposal indicate any additional financial contributions to the project, such as co-funding and/or self- funding?:

A total amount of $4,750.00 (4.5%) in self-funding and in-kind, by the NGO.

3.4 What actions have been foreseen to ensure financial accountability (e.g. Involvement of a financial officer)?:

Locally, there will be a dedicated accountant in charge of collecting receipts and sharing weekly reports. The File Headquarters will supervise the entire financial management process and oversee that money is spent according the financial and program plan.

Score :

4. IMPACT AND EXPECTED RESULTS, INCLUDING POTENTIAL FOR STRUCTURAL CHANGE

4.1 Are the project’s expected outputs and/or deliverables concrete, measurable and realistic? To what extent are they likely to achieve the objectives of the project?:

The project complies with this point.

4.2 To what extent are the main activities and the budget relevant and appropriate to achieving the intended outputs and/or deliverables?:

The project complies with this point.

4.3 To what extent is it expected that this project will have an impact/long-term benefits on the country/region’s cultural policies and/or cultural industries?:

The project is not expected to have a long-term on country´s cultural industries policies or directly into fostering the opportunities of U40 women, cultural entrepreneurs, working into the digital arts field.

The project does not demonstrate a potential for a structural change in those areas.

Score:

5. SUSTAINABILITY

5.1 To what extent are contractors and partners involved in the implementation of the project’s activities? Has the role of each contractor and/or partner been clearly described?:

The role of contractors and partners is properly described. Nevertheless, the relationship with the majority of the identified partners is something that is still going to be built by the applicant.

5.2 How does the project relate to and/or complement the work that is already being carried out in the country/region in terms of cultural policies and/or industries?:

The applicant describes the work of two local independent festivals but does not describe how the project complements the work that´s already being carried out in the country, in terms of cultural or cultural industries policies.

5.3 What measures/steps are proposed to ensure that the project’s impact/long-term benefits can be achieved?:

The following steps are described by the applicant: a) Capacity-building at individual level with artists, in terms of technical know-how as well as mentorship support, advisory support, connection to local art organizations interested in continuing to give them a platform b) Begin to build an arts community (artists, NGO´s and audience), c) Lunching an online platform

5.4 What measures/steps are proposed to follow up with the beneficiaries of the project after its completion?:

Post-project, the applicant will take a number of measures and steps with the beneficiaries, which include: - Creating a WhatsApp group and a Facebook group where notifications and updates can easily be shared. The NGO will also continue contacting them directly and individually when we find opportunities that match their profiles - Making sure they have a physical place to go to in Egypt, post-project, where they are always welcome, can seek advice, can have a platform to showcase their work, a space to work on new creations, and a place to network with other creatives working in the digital space. - Create a longer-term partnership with FabLab New Cairo (or other makerspace) to continue conducting new media workshops supported by them. - Making sure that the Cairotronica / DI-Egy teams, D-CAF as well as other art organizations know the works that have been created and the potential of each identified artists (and including the artist's profiles in their own database of artists) to continue offering them new local opportunities and platforms for dissemination

Score:

Overall evaluation:

The project is well designed and has potential to identify and help Egyptian artists to be known and to participate in international networks. However, it is important to remember that the call for the U40 empowerment program is aimed to support women under 40 who are cultural entrepreneurs working in digital creative industries, which is not sufficiently emphasized in the project and into the different point that must be described in the application form. On the other hand, the applicant is a strong and well Latin-America-positioned NGO, and its staff has the competences to implement the project. However, in the project it is not perceived that the Brazilian NGO has already built all the solid relationships that are necessary and will allow to fully develop these strengths in Egypt. Based on that, the project is not recommended for funding by the IFCD/U40 Empowerment program.

IFCD Submissions details

Recommandation review

IFCD Recommendation form - - 08/27/2018 - 15:26

Submitted by on 27 Aug 2018

Recommendation Status:

Non recommended

Evaluation summary:

As a result, your application was considered to be eligible and therefore has been sent for evaluation to the Panel of Experts appointed by the Intergovernmental Committee for the Protection and Promotion of the Diversity of Cultural Expressions. Unfortunately, it was not recommended for funding. For more details, please check experts' evaluation.