On 10 December 2009, a new Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was signed between the British Council and Arts Council England.

The MOU defines areas in which Arts Council England and the British Council can work more closely to help artists build links internationally.  It establishes a framework within which the two agencies can jointly develop and create programmes that are strategic, coherent, and serve the interests of artists and audiences.

The collaboration recognises the shared territory between the two organisations, offering the benefits of their expertise and relationships to further artistic practice in England, supporting artists and arts organisations to take their work to audiences worldwide, and bringing the best of international practice to audiences across the country.

Martin Davidson CMG, Chief Executive British Council said:

'Today’s agreement builds on years of collaboration between Arts Council England and the British Council and provides a framework for our relationship to go from strength to strength.

'By upholding and celebrating domestic and international excellence, this partnership will ensure that the arts continue to have a prominent and powerful role to play in creating greater understanding of the world in the UK and of the UK in the world.'

Dame Liz Forgan, Chair of Arts Council England said:

'Together, Arts Council England and the British Council can create new and exciting opportunities for artists to showcase their work on the international stage.

'Working internationally is hugely important to the health of the arts in this country, allowing artists to exchange ideas and reach new audiences across the world.'

Arts Council England and the British Council will work together on a number of programmes including Unlimited, Music Showcases, Cultural Leadership, Cultural Diplomacy Group, Points of Culture and the London International Festival Symposium (2012). The two organisations are also looking at previous artists development programmes, such as Artists Links and the Arts Council’s International Fellowship programme, to see what lessons can be learned when creating future schemes.

The two organisations will begin to develop joint protocols around consultation and communication with specialists in both organisations meeting regularly to develop a common understanding of the arts both in England and internationally. This strategy will aim to make sure that artists and those interested in the arts have clear pathways to follow when seeking information and advice.

Click on the following links to read a copy of the MOU document and accompanying statement.

Background

Arts Council England is the national development agency for the arts in England, distributing public money from the Government and the National Lottery. As the national development agency for the arts, they support a range of artistic activities from theatre to music, literature to dance, photography to digital art, carnival to crafts.

British Council connects the UK to the world and the world to the UK, functioning as Britain's international cultural relations body. Our activities - whether in the arts, science, sport, English teaching, climate change or education - nurture greater trust and understanding between different countries and cultures. Click here for more information about what we do in the Arts.