CONNECTS US AR T - British Council
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Our strategy
AR T
for the arts
CONNECTS USCO NN
E CT
01
Finding new ways of
Art connects us
connecting with and
understanding each
other through creativityForeword
For more than 80 years, the British OUR AMBITION
Council has been working to create a FOR 2021
friendly knowledge and understanding
between the people of the UK and
the wider world. We now operate in
over 110 countries around the world
Arts and heritage have and our work in the arts reached 10.9
never been more important million people on the ground and a
for the UK’s international further 186 million online and through
cultural relations. broadcast media in 2015/16.
Exposure to the diverse cultural Through seasons and festivals in
riches the UK has to offer creates new China, Brazil, Mexico and Nigeria
opportunities and inspiration for artists we have continued to develop new
around the world and the fostering of relationships with governments, artists
new collaborations with their British and audiences. The UK-Mexico Year
By 2021 we will have increased the • The UK will be recognised as a
counterparts. More widely, it creates of Cultural Exchange closed with
number of cultural connections world leader in protecting cultural
a modern, vibrant and creative image the UK as guest of honour at the
between the UK and the world. heritage, as a convenor of
of the UK amongst millions of people Guadalajara International Book Fair,
expertise and policy development,
in fast growing economies, encouraging the largest of its kind in the Spanish- This will include:
and UK organisations will lead the
more trade, investment and tourism. It speaking world. The festival included
• The international ambition of the way in delivery.
can also help to bring together divided more than 200 events for an audience
UK culture sector will be doubled.
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communities and build connections, of 800,000, with sessions from top • The world will look to the UK for the
trust and opportunity for people British writers including Salman • We will partner or lend support development of policy and practice
affected by conflict. Rushdie, Irvine Welsh, and Jeanette to more than 100,000 artists and regarding the place of culture in
Art connects us
Art connects us
Winterson; new exhibitions from organisations worldwide each inclusion, representing marginalised
Cultural exchange supports economic
David Hockney and David Shrigley; year, building lasting affinity and voices and access to the arts.
and social development, strengthens
a film festival; and dance, music and connections for the UK, including
relationships and creates opportunity. • The UK will be a leader in building
theatre performances from the Aurora at least 5000 from the UK.
This is increasingly important in the capacity of creative sectors
Orchestra, Company Wayne McGregor,
troubled times, as the safety of our • We will deliver a world leading arts around the world.
Little Boots and Graeae.
people at home, the ability of UK programme on the ground and
This will directly and indirectly
organisations to operate internationally, Elsewhere, the 2015 UK-China Year online, which will connect more than
create value for the UK, through new
and the freedom of UK citizens to travel of Cultural Exchange resulted in 100 20 million people digitally each year
international opportunities; access
and trade, face serious and growing new relationships formed between with art and culture from the UK.
to a large international network; and
challenges. Our programmes find UK and Chinese cultural institutions
• The UK will be a global hub for increased influence for the UK more
creative ways of connecting with each and over £20 million worth of culture
collaboration. Arts professionals widely. This also meets the priorities
other to maintain relationships and and creative industry commercial
around the world will look to the UK of the UK’s devolved administrations
support the optimism and imagination agreements were signed.
as a respected and trusted partner. to promote their culture overseas.
of people worldwide to explore more
positive futures.
UK-Korea Dance Exchange Programme.
Billy Cowie workshop.
Photo: British Council KoreaHOW WE WILL
GET THERE
Sharing UK arts with the world Arts for social change CONCLUSION
Our expert teams partner with the We extend safe spaces for culture,
UK’s most exciting established and creative exploration and exchange;
emerging artists to curate innovative building trust, enabling dialogue and
programmes and present them to presenting marginalised voices. We Our work in the arts has grown
a global audience. We work at the support the protection of cultural substantially over the last five years,
forefront of the UK’s world leading heritage, and the retention and delivering more impact and reaching
arts sector, helping the next generation expression of cultural identities. more people around the world than
of artists break new ground. Our ever before. With partnerships
We work with emerging and
programme attracts a diverse and at the heart of our work, we are
established artists in the UK and
wide-ranging audience, and we providing more opportunities for
overseas to support and promote
continually work to extend and deepen British artists and organisations,
their work. This includes supporting
our dialogue and engagement with creating vital networks and influence
excluded and at risk young
them. We create new opportunities for the UK across the globe. As ever,
people, using arts to support the
for artists and organisations to we are extremely grateful for our
empowerment of women and girls,
work internationally, and introduce partners’ continued support and
and increasing the representation
audiences around the world to the welcome new connections.
of work by Deaf and disabled artists.
best of UK creativity.
This work contributes to security This new strategy will support us
Fostering collaboration to deliver our aim for stronger creative
and stability by creating alternative
and networks sectors across the world that are
pathways, and through building
We help the world meet the best of understanding, tolerance and better connected with the UK for
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UK arts by creating spaces in which cooperation. It creates opportunities the next five years and beyond.
meaningful creative dialogues can for artists by ensuring the reflection of
take place, informing and benefitting a diverse and open society in our and
Art connects us
Art connects us
international relationships between other countries’ cultural output.
the UK and countries around the
Capacity building Policy and research
world at every level.
We strengthen the arts sector We aim to better understand and
e support creative people to
W
worldwide by developing its capacity shape cultural policy through our
collaborate and experiment with
to innovate, to reach new audiences, programme. This includes our work
new ideas, solutions, content and
to develop skills, and support in culture and development, capacity
forms of practice, which enable new
livelihoods. This is embedded in every building, inclusion, and the role culture
ways to produce, distribute and
aspect of our projects as well as plays in international relations. We
finance their work.
through three core programme areas: share our research with the cultural
We support UK culture to raise its cultural skills, creative economy and sector in the UK and overseas and
international ambitions by raising Creative Europe Desk UK. support partners to shape policy,
awareness of opportunities, supporting which leads to the development of
This work supports prosperity for arts
emerging artists and companies to new opportunities and understanding.
professionals, and grows networks
internationalise, helping mid-scale We showcase artistic work that Graham Sheffield CBE
and influence by positioning the UK Director Arts
organisations to grow and working illustrates these conversations.
as a leader in these fields, creating British Council
with major international players to open
new opportunities for training and
new doors and develop new networks.
developing livelihoods.
hrough this work, artists and
T
organisations develop sustainable
ways of working for long term
Grayson Perry: The Vanity of Small
prosperity, and benefit from sharing Differences at Pera Museum, Turkey.
knowledge and practice. © Pera MuseumARTS
UK
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Art connects us
Art connects us
The place
of arts in UK
cultural relationsWHY CULTURAL We now work in over 110 countries Research by Ipsos MORI for the
RELATIONS AND THE worldwide. These include all of the British Council shows that arts, and
BRITISH COUNCIL? places of major importance for UK cultural and historic attractions, are
trade and security, from China, India, two of the top five contributors to
Brazil, Russia and its neighbours, to a nation’s attractiveness to people
North America and the EU, to the from other countries. It is because
Commonwealth, to the Middle East of the quality of our cultural sector
and North Africa. We are at the in the UK that the country is regularly
forefront of the UK’s international placed in the top of global rankings
networks and soft power. of soft power.
We use the cultural resources of the Our extensive network enables
UK such as art, sport, education, connections to form between artists,
science, culture, language, innovation organisations and audiences around
and creativity to make a positive the world. Our teams on the ground
contribution to the people, institutions provide deep local insight helping
and governments of the countries we to deliver excellent programmes that
work with. This creates opportunities, are as culturally relevant as they are
builds connections and engenders compelling. In everything we do, we
A Good Day for trust, so that we make a lasting seek to create mutual benefit for
Artists in the UK have long Our work in the arts has changed Cyclists. Painted difference to the security, prosperity both the UK and the countries where
reflected traditional values dramatically since our founding. In by Sarah Tynan
and influence of the UK. we work, based on our understanding
as well as questioning, mocking the early years of the British Council, at British Pavilion
of conditions on the ground, demand
2013. © the British
or undermining them. we had our own drama company – Our work helps to keep the UK safe
Council. Photo: for our services and the need to
the London Shakespeare Group – Cristiano Corte and secure by improving stability and
The arts offer an approachable provide a balance between learning
who rehearsed productions in London security in strategically important
way to reach people who might not from and contributing to the places
before taking them on tours around countries. It increases UK prosperity
otherwise engage with complex where we work.
the world. In literature we were by encouraging more trade, investment
issues, presenting an accessible way
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probably most famous for our multi and tourism. It makes a lasting
for audiences to become part of a difference to the UK’s international
-volume series on Writers and their
community and talk with others about influence by developing connections
Works, all commissioned by the
what they have seen. Art can create
Art connects us
British Council and including T S Eliot and networks with key decision makers
and represent distinct identities for globally, increasing the number of
on George Herbert. Film meant the
our nations and regions, articulate people who know and trust the UK.
worldwide touring of our vast 16mm
the voices of all our communities,
film library, taking Genevieve or Brief
and influence the way others see
Encounter to rural Africa or Asia often
us and the way we see ourselves.
projected with a power supply from
Since 1934, the British Council has the British Council Land Rover.
existed to create ‘a basis of friendly Meanwhile our own art collection
knowledge and understanding’ provided the contents for most of
between the people of the UK and the our overseas visual arts exhibiting.
wider world. Our work in the arts has While the Collection remains one of
been central to this mission for more our greatest assets and is seen by
than 80 years, from presenting the audiences around the world, the last
British Pavilion at the Venice Biennale, 30 years has seen the British Council
being a driving force behind the become an informed and imaginative
first Edinburgh International Festival conduit and catalyst for real
and presenting A Midsummer Night’s engagement between UK and overseas
Dream in Egypt during the Suez arts and artists through innovative
crisis; to Shakespeare Lives, our 2016 collaboration and co-production.
celebration of Shakespeare’s work,
and major seasons of work in Brazil,
China, Mexico, Nigeria, Qatar, Russia
VR experience at MUTEK
and South Africa. festival, Canada. © MUTEK VR
Salon / Trung Dung NguyenFilm is the most accessible and popular
art form globally, and UK film occupies
a significant position as a commercial
FILM driver and as a creative force. Our
national output is renowned for its
range, from vast budget blockbusters
to small-scale critically-acclaimed
The strength work by auteurs.
of UK creativity UK film is consistently well-received
internationally, topping key awards
nominees lists and making the
The British Council works selection in global festivals and
across eight art forms markets from Toronto and Sundance
covering the full breadth to Busan and Cannes. UK short
of the UK creative industries: filmmakers are consistently sought
after on the international circuit; our
reputation as a centre for creativity
The UK is recognised for its thriving in independent animation continues;
design sector, from structural and we lead the field in documentary
engineering, vehicle design and public with Asif Kapadia’s Amy opening with
transport, to communication, digital one of the all-time biggest box office
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design and public space. There is returns for any documentary and going
an opportunity for greater cultural on to win both a Bafta and an Oscar
engagement through design areas for best documentary.
Art connects us
Art connects us
of UK excellence, such as graphic
design and engineering. The quality
and renown of UK education in
architecture, design and fashion has
created a dynamic context of debate,
ARCHITECTURE
research and experimentation, and
DESIGN FASHION
an incredibly international scene.
Meanwhile, professional boundaries
between design disciplines are
breaking down, with many young
designers working across a number
of forms and questioning design
processes and ways of working, and
design thinking increasingly regarded
as an employable skill. This has led
to a great deal of innovation within
the design sector, and the growth
of a ‘maker culture’, combining digital
innovation with a desire to rediscover
the practical skills of making.
Cámara Chica
Fashion Utopias: International Fashion project, Caracas,
Showcase 2016. Indonesia Artwork: James Dawe. Venezuela 2016.
Designer: Dian Pelangi. Photo: Dion Muharrom Photo: Chris KempLiterature is a wide-ranging, thriving,
diverse part of the UK’s cultural sector
with a global reputation for excellence.
It embraces everything from basic
literacy and picture books to major
literary prize winners; from graphic
novelists and emerging poets to
renowned military historians. The UK
is an influential source of experimental
fiction as well as thrilling crime writing
and children’s literature that inspires
its readers. UK non-fiction writers
LITERATURE throw new light on topics and promote
debate, whether they are peering
into great lives, challenging historical
orthodoxy or recording the life of
the bumblebee. The literature sector
includes big international publishers
and festivals, but is dependent on Music, transcending language barriers
the dedication of a multiplicity of as it does, is a powerful force for
individuals and small organisations, strong and lasting connections
engaging passionate audiences. The MUSIC between cultures. The UK has a
fundamental literature relationship thriving, world-renowned music sector
is a one-to-one interaction between of great richness, breadth, diversity
and innovation that draws on
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writer and reader. The universal desire
to tell our stories makes literature in numerous cultural influences. Our
all its many forms an invaluable bridge classical music industry is admired
globally for its quality, innovation,
Art connects us
between the people of the UK and the
countries of the world. relevance, access and education
work. The independent sector can
be experimental and risk-taking while
the vibrant commercial rock and pop
market is supported by a complex
and nuanced industry of record labels,
publishers, live agents and promoters.
The UK festival circuit is world-leading
across all genres from Glastonbury
to the BBC Proms. The places where
music, media, technology and other
art forms combine to inspire digital
and audio-visual work, from soundtracks
through video games to sound art, is
one of the UK music industry’s great
strengths. This is complemented by
high-quality training opportunities
across the UK at university and
conservatoire level, for musicians
and industry professionals across
the classical and commercial genres.
Book signing at London Book
Fair – Mexico Market Focus 2015. Ben Ufo at Mutek Festival, Mexico.
Photo: Kajal Patel Photo: Elizabeth CachoVISUAL ARTS
The UK visual arts and museums
sector is certainly one of the oldest,
and arguably the highest-quality,
most adventurous and most diverse
of its kind in the world. Thanks to
investment in new institutions, and a
programme of upgrades to existing
ones, the sector is now experiencing
a golden age: with soaring attendance
figures at beautifully designed,
excellently run and imaginatively
programmed facilities across the UK.
These organisations have invested
heavily in improving the diversity
The UK is a world-leader in theatre There is a high regard for the of their programmes and improving while its public museums are hugely
and dance, from hugely successful independent and experimental visitor experience, so much so that successful, globally recognised
the UK is now an acknowledged world
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commercial work in the West End, work that comes from UK devised brands, exporting international touring
THEATRE to innovative smaller companies that theatre, contemporary dance leader in a huge range of skills from exhibitions and making international
AND DANCE often feed into the commercial sector, and live art. This work thrives on education events and family friendly networking a core activity. Outside
policies, to digital outreach, audience
Art connects us
Art connects us
to the increasing interplay between influences from international artists London, clusters of commercial
theatre and film with performances and different cultures. From circus to development and engagement galleries and entrepreneurial artist-run
being streamed around the world. hip hop to new technology, artists are programmes, as well as governance spaces are flourishing, contributing
Beyond London, there is a strong experimenting with new approaches. and policy. This expertise is much in to regeneration projects and city
theatre tradition across the UK, with demand globally to support museum centre revival.
UK theatre and dance enjoys a infrastructure in a wide variety
high levels of community engagement
sophisticated working practice that of cultural and political contexts. The UK produces and educates
and participation through touring
creates work from, with, for and by brilliant artists and curators, who
and local productions. London is now one of the most
diverse communities. This includes graduate from its world renowned
Shakespeare is the best-recognised world-class work in engagement, important centres of the global universities and colleges, many of
cultural figure in the world, while the participation, working with young art market, attracting visitors to whom enjoy flourishing international
UK continues to produce more new people and empowering marginalised auctions, art fairs and galleries, careers and global name recognition.
writing for theatre than any other groups. We also lead in the field of Britain’s diverse and dynamic cultural
country. There is a strong history of disability arts practice. From technical landscape offers artists a huge range
political theatre, with artists continually skills to leadership and management, of influences from popular culture
exploring new ways to reflect on there is high demand for our and digital innovation, to traditional
difficult issues and challenge traditional education and training institutions, techniques; we seek to share the range
attitudes. We have excellent children’s with people from all over the world and inventiveness of current UK visual
theatre and an active outdoor arts coming to study here. arts practice with the world.
scene that reaches diverse audiences.
Artist David Shrigley collaborating with students
Company Wanye McGregor perform on the installation of his exhibition Lose Your Mind
Random Dance at Feria Internacional at Hospicio Cabañas in Guadalajara, Mexico. A
del Libro, Guadalajara, Mexico. British Council touring exhibition presented as
Photo: British Council Mexico part of UK-Mexico 2015. © Carlos JimenezCREATIVE
ECONOMY
The UK is rightly regarded as a leader
in defining and developing its creative
economy. The creative industries are
now the fastest growing sector in the
UK, contributing more than £80 billion
each year. Globally, they generate
3% of GDP and employ 1% of the
population. Beyond financial success,
they have been recognised for their
innovative role in social and civic
development. But major shifts in digital
technology and funding mean this
dynamic, diverse sector is changing
rapidly; generating new possibilities
for creative experiences as well as
uncertainty. Accessing the new means
of production, finance, collaboration
and distribution can be challenging.
As most countries are now considering The UK cultural sector encompasses
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how best to foster creativity and community arts, literature, fashion,
culture holistically, there is much film and television, museums, visual
for the UK to contribute and learn. arts, and the performing arts. Each
CULTURAL
Art connects us
Art connects us
of these industries has a unique
SKILLS
global reputation for excellence.
The professional skills that underpin
and drive these sectors include sector
specific skills, such as technical theatre
(light, sound, stage management) and
curatorial skills, as well as crosscutting
skills, such as audience engagement
and leadership.
The UK is considered a global
leader in cultural skills through its
world-class practitioners, creative
cultural businesses, festivals, cultural
institutions, and highly developed
education sector. This expertise
creates a significant opportunity
for the UK to build the capacity of
the cultural sector internationally
by exchanging its knowledge and
best practice, and learn from others
in doing so.
Participant in our Casade_ZA 2015
programme, South Africa. Courtesy Dancers on the High Street at the Edinburgh
onedotzero. Photo: Jody Brand Festival Fringe. © Edinburgh Festival FringeArt connects us 18
Our new strategy
STRA
TEGY
Art connects us 19• We will deliver a world
THE NEED FOR The world has changed WHAT WE
leading arts programme
A NEW STRATEGY a great deal in the WILL DO
on the ground and online,
five years since our
which will connect more
previous Arts strategy
than 20 million people
was created. There is a
digitally each year with art
greater understanding
and culture from the UK.
and recognition of the
value and potential of soft By 2021 we will have • The British Pavilion at the
power. Relations between increased the number Venice Art and Architecture
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countries have changed, of cultural connections Biennales will be a world
in both the 2015 Spending
the digital landscape has between the UK and leader in displaying the best
Review and the new UK Aid
transformed, and the civil the world. of contemporary practice. • The UK will be recognised
Strategy in the same year and
Art connects us
Art connects us
war in Syria has created as a world leader in
aims to support the recently This will include: • The British Council
a refugee crisis unseen protecting cultural heritage,
launched White Paper on Collection will be amongst
in the modern era. • The international ambition as a convenor of expertise
culture from the Department the most travelled
of the UK culture sector will and policy development,
We have refreshed our for Culture, Media and Sport. collections of contemporary
be doubled by increasing and UK organisations will
strategy to take into account British art in the world.
Most importantly, this strategy awareness of opportunities, lead the way in delivery.
these changes in the global We will be working with
reflects the changing contexts supporting artists and
context, a refreshed and curators from around the • The world will look to the
of the UK organisations we organisations to emerge
growing Arts programme, globe to create their own UK for the development
work with. We ran a series onto the world stage, and
significant demand for UK exhibitions drawn from of policy and practice
of consultations in 2015 partnering more closely
arts from around the world, our Collection, lending regarding the place
around the UK with our with major international
and increased desire to more than 1000 works to of culture in inclusion,
existing partners and those players to open doors.
internationalise by UK be shared with audiences representing marginalised
we do not currently work with.
arts organisations. • 20,000 British artists will globally, in specially voices and access to the
Feedback on a draft of this
have benefited from British tailored programmes to arts. Our programmes
This strategy encapsulates strategy from those sessions
Council programmes. develop networks, skills will lead the way in
a significant growth in our has been incorporated into
and expertise for the supporting disability arts;
ambition to deliver impact this final version, including • We will partner or lend
benefit of the UK. lesbian, gay, bisexual and
around the world. It reflects increased work to share insight support to more than
transgender rights; and the
a call for more work in the arts with our partners, a more 100,000 artists and • The UK will be a global
empowerment of women
from the Triennial Review of consistent service level in organisations worldwide hub for collaboration.
and girls.
the British Council in 2014, all of our operations globally, each year building lasting Arts professionals around
a strong endorsement of our and a commitment to work affinity and connections the world will look to • The UK will be a leader in
programmes in key regions, in partnership for long for the UK, including at the UK as a respected building capacity of creative
such as the Middle East, -term impact. least 5000 from the UK. and trusted partner. sectors around the world.Art Connects Us
Finding new ways of
connecting with and
understanding each ARTS FOR
other through creativity.
SOCIAL CHANGE
OUR AMBITION HOW WE WILL • Extending safe spaces for
FOR 2021 ACHIEVE OUR culture, creative exploration
and exchange
AMBITION SHARING UK
• Building trust, enabling
To increase the
number of cultural
ARTS WITH dialogue and presenting
connections between THE WORLD marginalised voices
the UK and the world. • Supporting the protection of
• Introducing audiences
around the world to the cultural heritage and expressi
best of UK creativity on of cultural identities
• Creating new opportunities POLICY AND
for artists and organisations RESEARCH
to work internationally
• Shaping cultural policy
through our programme
WHERE
WE WORK: • Sharing research with the FOSTERING
cultural sector in the UK
Finland Malta Slovakia and overseas COLLABORATION
Afghanistan
Albania France Mauritius Slovenia • Supporting partners to AND NETWORKS
Algeria Georgia Mexico South Africa shape policy
• Supporting UK culture to raise
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Argentina Germany Montenegro South Sudan
Armenia Ghana Morocco Spain its international ambitions
Australia Greece Mozambique Sri Lanka • Supporting creative people
Art connects us
Art connects us
Austria Hong Kong Namibia Sudan to collaborate and experiment
Azerbaijan Hungary Nepal Sweden with new ideas
Bahrain India Netherlands Switzerland
Bangladesh Indonesia New Zealand Syria • Developing sustainable ways
Belgium Iran Nigeria Taiwan CAPACITY of working for long-term
Bosnia and Iraq Norway Tanzania BUILDING prosperity and benefit from
Herzegovina Ireland Occupied - Thailand sharing knowledge and practice
Botswana Israel Palestinian - Trinidad
Brazil Italy Territories Tunisia Strengthening the arts sector
Bulgaria Jamaica Oman Turkey worldwide by:
Burma Japan Pakistan Uganda • Developing its capacity
Canada Jordan Peru Ukraine to innovate
Chile Kazakhstan Philippines United -
China Kenya Poland Arab Emirates OUR TEAMS: • Reaching new audiences
Colombia Korea Portugal United States - • Developing skills and
Croatia Kosovo Qatar of America Architecture Design Fashion supporting livelihoods
Cuba Kuwait Romania Uruguay Creative Economy
Cyprus Latvia Russia Uzbekistan Cultural Skills
Czech - Lebanon Rwanda Venezuela Film
Republic Libya Saudi Arabia Vietnam Literature
Denmark Lithuania Senegal Yemen Music
Egypt Macedonia Serbia Zambia Theatre and Dance
Estonia Malawi Sierra Leone Zimbabwe Visual Arts
Ethiopia Malaysia SingaporeHow we will Sharing UK
achieve this arts with
the world
• The British Council Art
Collection - we extend the
value of our art collection,
and other UK collections,
by sharing them at home
and around the world. The
Collection contains nearly
This includes: 9000 items from hundreds
of artists, and the work is
• Seasons and festivals. loaned and exhibited widely.
We create and deliver
significant engagements • The Venice Art and
intended to kick-start Architecture Biennales.
programmes and We have managed the
relationships in major British Pavilion in Venice
markets, particularly in since 1938, commissioning
fast-emerging economies. British artists at the longest-
We aim for these to be running, most prestigious
reciprocal and mutual in international art biennial
We will develop design, and we develop in the world. We have also
commissioned the exhibition
them through partnerships
programmes that focus across UK government and for the Venice Architecture
Biennale since 1991. The Art
on five pillars to support
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arts councils, overseas
governments and with and Architecture biennales
our 2021 ambition. Many commercial sponsorship. represent the most
significant opportunities
Art connects us
Art connects us
of our programmes will Our expert teams partner
• Showcases of the best to showcase the creativity
contemporary UK culture, of UK art and architecture
cover more than one of with the UK’s most exciting
established and emerging
which can be linked to on a world platform.
these pillars. Every project artists to curate innovative
supporting export in
partnership with the GREAT • The Selector, our weekly
programmes and present
will feature at least one. them to a global audience.
Britain campaign and UKTI two-hour radio show that
covers all styles of music,
in relevant markets through
We work at the forefront of the The Culture Diary. This work from indie, dubstep, folk,
UK’s world leading arts sector, is often a collaboration with soul, electro and everything
helping the next generation the arts councils of the UK. in between. Broadcasting
of artists break new ground. in more than 40 countries,
• A digital showcasing The Selector presents
Our programme attracts a
programme, working an overview of all that is
diverse and wide-ranging
with organisations from exciting and fresh in British
audience, and we continually
across the UK to curate music. The show reflects the
work to extend and deepen
and present content brilliance and diversity of
our dialogue and engagement
about their work to online British music, promoting the
with them.
audiences around the world. sounds, talents and musical
We create new opportunities This programme grows culture of modern Britain to
for artists and organisations international access to an international audience.
to work internationally, and UK arts and familiarity
introduce audiences around with UK cultural organisations
Still from film about Jackie
the world to the best of to support future work Karuti’s East African Exchange
UK creativity. on the ground. in Kampala, Uganda. ©32° East3
Fostering Arts for
collaboration social change
and networks
This includes:
• Operating the UK’s new
Cultural Protection Fund
in partnership with the
Department for Culture,
Media and Sport. The fund
aims to foster, safeguard
and promote cultural
heritage overseas. This
will lead to safeguarding
against permanent loss
by supporting local
professionals to manage
and promote cultural assets.
In turn, this will enable local
We help the world meet
We extend safe spaces people to protect their
the best of UK arts by
for culture, creative cultural heritage and the
creating spaces in which
exploration and exchange; role it plays in society • World Voice, our
meaningful creative
building trust, enabling and the economy. programme which trains
dialogues can take place,
dialogue and presenting teachers around the world
informing and benefitting • Our Artists in Recovery
marginalised voices. We to lead singing in schools
international relationships programme highlights the
support the protection of to develop children’s
at every level. • We broker collaborations role of the arts and artists
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cultural heritage, and the musicality and enrich
between artists and in supporting resilience,
We support creative people retention and expression cross-curricular learning.
organisations in the UK and recovery and transition
to collaborate and experiment of cultural identities. It opens children’s
around the world, and new in conflict-affected
Art connects us
Art connects us
with new ideas, solutions, eyes to British and
opportunities for major UK We work with emerging and environments through
content and forms of practice This includes: other cultures through
organisations who regularly established artists in the creative interventions.
that enable new ways to song; is transforming
• Briefing UK arts professionals work overseas. UK and overseas to support
produce, distribute and • Voices and Spaces for Social pedagogy and improving
on the opportunities of and promote their work.
finance their work. • We run Creative Europe Change is a programme children’s attendance,
international working, where This includes supporting
Desk UK with our partners encouraging free attention, listening, self-
We support UK culture to work, with whom to work excluded and at risk young
the British Film Institute, expression and creativity confidence, positivity,
to grow its international and how to do business. people, using arts to support
and in collaboration with arts to help build more inclusive teacher-child relationships
ambitions by raising Where possible, we link with the empowerment of women
councils and governmental and dynamic communities. and democracy in the
awareness of opportunities, export support from UKTI, and girls and increasing the
bodies in the UK. Creative This promotes social classroom; engages
supporting emerging the GREAT Britain Campaign representation of work by
Europe Desk UK supports wellbeing and supports overseas policy-makers;
artists and companies to and other partners. Deaf and disabled artists.
UK cultural and open, inclusive, stable reaches teachers in the
internationalise, helping
• We support emerging audiovisual organisations This work contributes to societies. We also support remotest and hardest-to
mid-scale organisations
and mid-career artists to by promoting awareness security and stability by and run programmes that -reach regions of the
to grow and working with
develop new connections and understanding of creating alternative pathways, increase inclusion in its world from Kashmir to
major international players
and new possibilities for the opportunities that and through building widest sense. This includes post-earthquake Nepal;
to open new doors and
their practice through the Creative Europe understanding, tolerance our work in disability arts; and helps to erase
develop new networks.
the Artists’ International programme provides, and cooperation. It creates lesbian, gay, bisexual and negative stereotypes
Through this work, artists Development Fund and and offer free advice opportunities for artists by transgender rights; and of Britain in places where
and organisations develop Shorts Support Scheme. and support for applicants. ensuring the reflection of empowering women and other institutions have
sustainable ways of working We run these in partnership a diverse society in our girls. We focus on contexts limited influence.
for long term prosperity, with UK arts councils and Ne Me Quitte Pas (2015). and other countries’ where we can commit
Courtesy British Homework (2012) Part of our
and benefit from sharing the British Film Institute. Council Armenia.
cultural output. to systemic change over Syria: Third Space exhibition.
knowledge and practice. Photo: Photolure Agency a long period. © Mohammad Ghannam4 5
Policy and
research
We aim to better
understand and shape
Capacity cultural policy through
our programme.
building This includes:
We share our research with
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• Cultural skills development
the cultural sector in the UK
in priority countries. We
and overseas and support
research needs in target
partners to shape policy, which
Art connects us
Art connects us
markets, and match these
leads to the development
with experienced UK
of new opportunities and
organisations to create
understanding. We showcase
training opportunities
artistic work that illustrates
We strengthen the for delivery.
these conversations.
arts sector worldwide
• Supporting the formation
by developing its capacity This includes:
of policy and leadership
to innovate, to reach • Enabling creative
in cultural skills training, • Arts and social change.
new audiences, to enterprise. We help to build
youth engagement,
develop skills, and sustainable businesses in • Capacity building.
English language skills
support livelihoods. the creative and cultural
and professional learning. • Inclusion.
industries worldwide.
This is embedded in every We also share insights with
We share knowledge • Impact evaluation of
aspect of our projects as policymakers to promote
and experience through our programmes.
well as through two distinct the development of creative
workshops, mentoring and
programmes: cultural skills economies worldwide. • Research into arts
peer networks. Through our
and creative economy. markets globally.
• Supporting creative hubs. Maker Libraries programme,
This work supports prosperity We support and connect we connect designers and • The role culture plays
for arts professionals, and collaborative communities makers internationally to in international relations
grows networks and influence to share ideas, best swap skills, share resources, and soft power.
by positioning the UK as a practice and policy exchange ideas and take
leader in these fields, creating on the development part in mentoring sessions. UK-Korea Dance
Exchange Programme.
new opportunities for training of workspaces for people Digital Futures UK-Mexico 2015. James Cousins workshop.
and developing livelihoods. in the creative industries. Photo: British Council Mexico Photo: British Council Korea.DIAL
We will foster creative
dialogues between the
UK and the world to
share the transformative
power of the arts.
OGUE
Global connections
Our extensive network will enable
connections to form between artists,
organisations and audiences around
the world. Our teams on the ground in
over 110 countries will provide expert
local insight helping to deliver excellent
programmes that are as culturally
relevant as they are compelling.
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World leading curators Developing futures
Our expert teams will curate We believe that art has the power
Art connects us
Art connects us
established and emerging art of to transform; from skills development
the highest quality and help it find to sustainable projects, we nurture
a global audience. We will work at lasting relationships with people and
the forefront of Britain’s pioneering places to leave a positive and enduring
arts sector, helping the next generation legacy everywhere we work, both
of artists break new ground. internationally and in the UK.
Cultural connectors Identifying impact
We will help the world meet the Genuine evaluation of our programmes
best of British arts by creating will be embedded into our working
spaces in which meaningful creative practice. We will measure the things
dialogues take place, informing that matter through a set of key
and benefitting international performance indicators, including
relationships at every level. skills development, profile raising,
connections created and innovation
How we supported. We will learn from and
will work communicate our findings, maximising
the return on our investment. We will
track this through monitoring both
short term and longer term impacts.
Design Explore Morocco.
Photo: Simon MillsRelationships – political, economic and cultural –
between the different parts of the Americas
are changing fast, as is the way the continent
Where we AMERICAS as a whole relates to the rest of the world.
Recent economic growth has decelerated but the
will work long-term outlook is sound. Highly innovative cultural
practice can be found across the continent and public
and private funding is being invested in cultural
infrastructure, creative enterprise and in arts for
social action. The continent’s economy exceeds
China, Japan and India combined but wide inequalities,
often related to the complex dynamics between
indigenous, European-and African-origin populations,
nourish organised crime, high levels of violence and
insecurity. Optimism and resilience prevail nevertheless.
The themes of our work in this region overlap but can
be identified as follows:
• Linking the emerging generation of artists and
IMP
creative entrepreneurs across the Atlantic.
• Challenging exclusion and inequity through
transformative experiences.
• Future infrastructure strategies – for cities especially.
• Updating knowledge and perceptions about the UK.
Argentina
Brazil
Canada
• Connecting the whole UK with the Americas.
Chile
Colombia Instalación Mirar by Morag Myerscough and
Cuba Luke Morgan. Part of Mexican Design Open.
Photo: British Council Mexico
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Jamaica
Mexico
Peru
Trinidad
Art connects us
Art connects us
United States -
of America
Uruguay
Venezuela
ACTThe EU remains the UK’s largest trade partner
and is vital to UK economic sectors, including
the arts and creative industries.
EAST ASIA EUROPEAN
It is a global continent, with strong links to wider Europe,
UNION
the Americas, the Middle East and Africa. The EU is
the first port of call for many organisations who wish
to internationalise, and our joint leadership of the UK’s
Creative Europe Desk reflects this. Alongside this, the
strategic importance of links with the Baltic and Russian
neighbourhood countries, and the UK Presidency of the
EU in 2017, means the region is a priority for the British
Council. There are great opportunities to deliver cultural
relations work on a large scale, partnering with major
corporates, government and civil society partners, and
under contract from the European Commission. As a
East Asia is a diverse region, with more than two Austria
Belgium leading partner in EUNIC, the network of EU institutes
billion inhabitants. Bulgaria
Croatia
for culture, we can influence cultural policy in the EU.
The area has a rich cultural history, and a rapidly ageing Cyprus
Our priorities include:
population combined with the fact that 25% of its Czech Republic
Denmark
citizens are under 14 years of age. Nearly 50% of the Estonia • Showcasing: opening up opportunities for
world’s internet users live in this region, and it contains Finland collaboration and international showcasing of UK
seven of the world’s ten most populous cities. Indonesia France
artists and organisations with European counterparts.
Germany
is the biggest Muslim democracy in the world; the Greece This will focus on high profile large-scale activity
middle class in China comprises more people than the Hungary and relationship building between UK arts institutions
Ireland
entire population of Europe; one third of the region’s and festivals and those key European counterparts
Italy
people still live in poverty. The growing economic and Latvia that meet UK sector interest and enable us to reach
political power of East Asia is bringing about a renewed Lithuania new young audiences. We will significantly increase
Malta
confidence in cultural identity and a desire to have Netherlands our digital showcasing offer in the region.
a more balanced relationship with the West. Countries Norway
• Creative Economy: supporting the subsistence
in East Asia are focusing on intra-Asia connections and Poland
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Portugal and growth of creative hubs in Europe, celebrating
are increasingly moving towards a knowledge economy Romania
digital technology and innovation as a way to tackle
valuing creativity and innovation to drive growth and Slovakia
Slovenia social challenges and contribute to a smart future;
develop more inclusive societies.
Art connects us
Art connects us
Spain and promoting stronger ethical and cultural
Sweden
Our programme in East Asia responds to a number Switzerland
value in fashion.
of local needs:
• Arts and Disability: promoting artistically excellent
• Changing perceptions about the UK through artistic and innovative work by disabled artists from the
exchanges and collaborations. UK, increasing the number of British disabled
artists programmed, presented and commissioned
• Developing connections and networks intra-Asia
at the highest level in Europe, and developing
in relation to the UK.
opportunities for mutual exchange between disabled
• Stimulating creativity and innovation through artistic practitioners, cultural leaders, and disabled
creative education and engagement with creative -led arts organisations.
hubs in cities. Australia
Burma
• Cultural Skills: sharing research on skills shortages
• Developing cultural leadership, and the creative China and needs in Europe, designing and delivering
and business skills necessary to present work to Hong Kong innovative training programmes to respond
Indonesia
international standards, collaborate internationally Japan to current and future skills needs and opening
and develop a strong and sustainable sector. Korea up entry to the sector opportunities for aspiring
Malaysia
cultural professionals.
• Support creative industries policy development New Zealand
Philippines
and platforms for mutual learning.
Singapore
Taiwan Creative Europe Desk UK
• Using the arts to strengthen and develop more Thailand event at the BFI, 2016.
inclusive and prosperous societies. Vietnam Photo: Linda Nylind
UK-Korea Dance Exchange Programme.
Marc Brew Community Workshop.
Photo: British Council Korea.The Middle East and North Africa is a region
of impressive cultural history and traditions,
but has largely poor infrastructure to support
the arts and creative industries. MIDDLE EAST AND SOUTH ASIA
NORTH AFRICA
In many countries, there is a significant disconnect
between state and independent cultural sectors,
fuelled by conservative attitudes or a rigid focus on
the promotion of a politically motivated sense of cultural
identity. There are very few examples of strong art
form sectors or even professional networks for artists
and arts institutions across the region.
The region is critically important for UK security and
prosperity. Because of the conflict and instability in
the region it has become a focus for UK Government
initiatives to support stability and resilience.
The region is distinctly gender-biased with most
development indicators showing women sharply
underprivileged and underrepresented in economic
and political life. Young people are generally excluded
Algeria
from political processes. There is a very young Bahrain The region has a combined population of more
demographic (30% under 24 years old) and youth Egypt
than 1.7 billion with 50% under 30 years old.
unemployment at 30% is twice the global average. Iraq
Jordan Over two million people of South Asian origin
MENA has four of the world’s five most dangerous Kuwait
(diaspora) live in the UK. India is the second
Lebanon
countries, and most countries in the region are affected Libya largest country in the world and a strategic
by conflict and instability. Morocco priority for developing relationships with the UK.
Occupied -
Employers across the region complain about the Palestinian - There are major gaps between rich and poor,
Territories
skills gap; many school and university leavers lack Oman
and the security situation in many countries is
the skills to enter employment successfully. The social Qatar fragile. It is one of the least interconnected geopolitical
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and economic burden on host countries of the Syrian Saudi Arabia regions in the world, with only 2% of trade taking place
Syria
conflict is immense. Amid the chaos, Islamic State has Tunisia between countries in the region despite a strong shared
appeared as a significant threat to stability in the region United Arab - cultural heritage. Rapid uptake and growth of mobile
Art connects us
Art connects us
Emirates
and beyond. technologies (1.2bn mobile phones in use) offers
Yemen
significant openings for digital engagement.
Our work has four major priorities to respond to this:
Afghanistan
Countries are characterised by a relatively vibrant
• Showcasing UK arts in the Gulf to build creative Bangladesh
India cultural life hampered by poor infrastructure and lack of
links with a new generation, focussing on youth and Iran government support. In some countries, this is coupled
contemporary culture with a commitment to diversity, Nepal
Pakistan with an increasingly conservative attitude among
disability arts and wider access.
Sri Lanka audiences towards some forms of cultural expression.
• Culture and development work focussing on The potential of the creative economy to contribute
strengthening resilience to crisis in Syria and towards poverty reduction and economic development
the host countries surrounding it and voice is increasingly recognised by governments.
and inclusion particularly in North Africa.
Our programme will focus on:
• Operating the Cultural Protection Fund in partnership
• Increased showcasing of UK arts in the region,
with the Department for Culture, Media and Sport.
and of the region back in the UK, supported by
The fund aims to foster and promote cultural heritage
digital showcasing.
overseas and safeguard against permanent loss
by supporting local professionals to manage and • Professional and skills development opportunities.
Left: North Africa Dynamics
promote cultural assets. In turn this will enable local
rehearsal at Sadler’s Wells, • Supporting future cultural leaders.
people to protect their cultural heritage and the part of our Say It Through
important role it plays in society and the economy. Breakdancing programme. • Increased brokering of relationships between
Image: Helen Maybanks
the UK and the region.
• Cultural skills development, focussing on Saudi
Above: DESH(2014), performed
Arabia, Egypt and Morocco. by Akram Khan in Bangladesh.
• Work on diversity and inclusion in fragile states
Photo:Mizanur Rahman Khoka and those emerging from crisis.Seven out of ten of the world’s fastest growing Wider Europe is a region spanning eleven
economies are in Sub-Saharan Africa and by time zones and embracing a population of
2050 an estimated fifth of the world’s population 335 million people.
will live there. SUB-SAHARAN WIDER
Our priority countries are Israel, Russia, Turkey and
AFRICA EUROPE
The British Council is long-established in Sub-Saharan Ukraine but there are vibrant arts programmes in all
Africa, opening our first office in 1943. We have been fifteen states in the region. The majority of its countries
working and building relationships across the arts, have been established for less than twenty-five years,
education and society in the region for over 70 years. are emerging from periods of isolation and, in re-engaging
with the rest of the world, are seeking contact with
There are major challenges for African states despite
the UK cultural sectors.
a young population and a growing consumer class.
Growth is uneven across countries, inequality is rising The region borders the Middle East to the south,
and unemployment is high, particularly amongst young Asia to the east and the EU to the west.
people; access to education and skills training is also
There are three key challenges for our arts programme
a widespread problem. Countries remain vulnerable
in Wider Europe: political instability, slow pace of
to economic shocks, social unrest and the increasing
government reform, and variable market insight.
threat from international terrorism.
Our programme in Wider Europe has four priorities:
Across Sub-Saharan Africa, public and private sector
investment in the creative economy is increasing. If • Digital innovation: online programmes and
this continues, it will provide a platform for sustained campaigns have more than doubled audiences
growth particularly in South Africa and Nigeria. There across our programmes in the last two years and
are also significant opportunities in Ethiopia, Ghana by 2020, we aim to reach 75% of our audiences
and Kenya. We contribute to the development of the online and via media.
creative industries across the region, exchanging and
• Capacity-building for individuals and institutions:
showcasing excellent African and British artistic work
this includes programmes alongside our showcasing
and providing skills training. Our work makes a lasting
work, such as industry platforms and professional
difference connecting artists, decision makers, creative
development built into our weekly radio show The
businesses, institutions, influencers and the wider
Selector and syndicated programming of UK film
public in the UK and Sub-Saharan Africa. We extend safe
festivals in eight countries.
spaces for culture, creative exploration and exchange;
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enabling dialogue and presenting marginalised voices. • Supporting the development of creative economies:
As the UK’s principal cultural relations organisation substantial creative economy programmes are active
the British Council is strongly committed to equality, Albania in four key countries and clusters and it is a focus of
Art connects us
Art connects us
diversity and inclusion and our work in Africa is centred Armenia our extensive work in Ukraine.
Azerbaijan
on building meaningful and enduring relationships Bosnia and • Diversifying audiences: working across art forms,
across different cultures. Partnerships between African Herzegovina
Georgia British Council business areas and country and
and British artists, institutions and organisations are
Israel regional borders.
at the heart of our programme which aims to develop Kazakhstan
skills and capacity across the creative industries. Kosovo
Macedonia
Our work aims to: Montenegro
Russia
• Create access to art with an emphasis on new Serbia
Turkey
digital work, innovation, art in public spaces Ukraine
Botswana
and working with young people. Ethiopia Uzbekistan
Ghana
• Connect artists and creatives in sub-Saharan Kenya
Africa with their contemporaries in the UK. Malawi
Mauritius
• Support the development of skills by sharing Mozambique
Namibia
expertise and ideas. Nigeria
Rwanda
• Connect African arts and creative industries Senegal
with the UK. Sierra Leone
South Africa
Above: Artist Eyob Kitaba working on Chess in Kampala. Part of our East South Sudan
African Exchange Programme. Photo: 32° East | Ugandan Arts Trust Sudan
Tanzania
Right: Mardin Biennial (2012). British Council Turkey and Mardin Biennial Uganda
screen three British art films at public venues around Mardin. Zambia
Courtesy Mike Nelson and British Council Turkey. ZimbabweYou can also read
