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		FAQs

	Art, Architecture and Design Frequently Asked Questions

		Where can I find a list of design events in the UK?

	For a list of regular design events taking place in the UK during 2007, please contact Emma Southgate.

		Where can I study design in the UK?

Have at look at the UKCOSA website - advisors to international students

You should also see our Education UK site for more information on courses in the UK.

		I want to study in the UK, can you give me a grant?

	We do not give grants to students, please contact UKCOSA and UCAS - Universities & Colleges Admission Service for advice.

		I have been invited to exhibit abroad, can you help me with a grant?

The Design department does not give grants to individuals. The Visual Arts department runs a scheme for visual artists exhibiting in a gallery overseas. To see if you are eligible to apply have a look at our Grants to Artists page.

Please visit the UK Trade & Investment website to see if you can apply for one of their grant schemes.

		I am an overseas design student and I would like to have a design placement in the UK for a few months, can you organise this?

	The Design department does not organise student work placements in UK design companies. Please research the area you would most like to work in and contact the company directly stating how you could be of use to their company.

		I want to break into an overseas design market. Can you give advice?

UK Trade & Investment is the government department responsible for export across creative and non-creative sectors.

Please visit the UK Trade & Investment website for advice on exporting abroad.

		I want to contact an artist or designer. Do you have artists' contacts?

	We can not give out private contact details under the Data Protection Act. If you want to get in touch with an artist first check the internet to see if they have their own website or are represented by a gallery or agent that you could write to.

		How do you decide which artists to include in exhibitions?

	Artists and designers are invited to participate by the curator of the exhibition. We identify appropriate work for a project through a research period of around 18months, during which time the curators go to as many relevant exhibitions as possible in the UK and also visit artists in their studios.

		Can you help with general information on exhibitions in Britain?

	Not in any detail. A very good source of information is New Exhibitions of Contemporary Art who also produce a bi-monthly brochure of many new exhibitions around the UK. AN Magazine is an excellent source of exhibitions and opportunities for visual artists in the UK.

		Do you give general advice on funding for Visual Arts projects?

	No. We can only help if you are a UK based professional artist who needs funding to transport work to an exhibition overseas. In this case, you may be able to apply to our Grants to Artists Scheme.

		Do you have funds for exhibitions in Britain?

	We don’t have funds for exhibitions or projects taking place in the UK. Contact your appropriate UK Arts Council for advice and support.

		What's the criteria for the Grants to Artists' Scheme?

	You need to be a visual artist who has exhibited professionally in the UK and is living in Britain. Have a look at our Grants to Artists page for more details.

		Do you have a list of 'approved' artists?

	We don’t have a list of ‘approved’ artists because we are always looking out for new talent and exciting fresh work. We try to see as many exhibitions around the UK as possible so we can keep up-to-date with new developments.

		Do you accept exhibition submissions or proposals?

	We don’t accept submissions or proposals except through our Grants to Artists Scheme. We put together our own projects in consultation with our overseas offices and other institutions on bespoke programmes.

		Can I include my work in the British Council Collection?

We often buy works for the Collection once we have selected them for one of our exhibitions, assuming they are available to buy. We do this because it’s easier for us to tour works if we own them. Have a look at the Collection online to see the range of work we have bought in the past. Artists include Henry Moore, David Hockney, Damien Hirst, Chris Ofili and Rachel Whiteread. If you think we should consider your work for the Collection, then please send visual material to the Director of Visual Arts, British Council, 10 Spring Gardens, London SW1A 2BN. The work will then be considered by our Advisory Committee as we consult them on all possible purchases.

		How can I research a particular artist?

	You can have a look at the British Council Collection to see if we own any works by them. You could also look through our projects, exhibitions and catalogues, but probably the best way to research an artist is on the internet. You can then choose from a range of results.

		Can you help me if I have a copyright question?

	The best people to speak to regarding copyright are DACS – the Design and Artists Copyright Society. We are not experts in this area and copyright law varies from country to country, so it’s best to consult DACS or employ a copyright lawyer for serious cases.