design for climate: british council and villa karo 2026

In partnership with Villa Karo, the Finnish Institute for West Africa, the British Council is supporting two designers—one UK-based and one West African-based (from Nigeria or Ghana)—to spend eight weeks at Villa Karo in Benin from 23 March to 17 May 2026. A later start date may be possible for selected applicants.

This initiative seeks to address climate challenges through collaborative practice and cross-cultural exchange.

The purpose of this initiative is to help meet the challenge of climate change through collaboration, dialogue, and co-creation. Residents will: develop new design projects inspired by their residency experience; engage with local artists and community members through workshops and discussions; showcase their work through exhibitions or presentations; document and share their experiences via reports and British Council platforms.