Our main purpose is to develop and increase knowledge and appreciation overseas of the UK’s achievements in the fields of art, design, craft and architecture.

We work closely with our offices overseas and collaborate with professional colleagues in Britain and abroad to create a range of activities and events including touring exhibitions, workshops, seminars and conferences led by British artists and designers plus study programmes in the UK for overseas visitors.

Our programme reflects the wide range of disciplines practised to a world class standard in the UK including painting, sculpture, video, photography, graphic design, fashion, architecture, city planning and the built environment, interior design, digital media, industrial and product design, furniture and design education.

Our exhibitions range from solo to group shows and we often work across disciplines to produce thematic exhibitions. Whilst priority is given to the promotion of contemporary practice in the UK, we do occasionally organise historical exhibitions.

Art, Architecture and Design Funding

If you’re a UK-based professional visual artist and you have an exhibition overseas, then we may be able to help you via our Grants to Artists scheme. Find out more about the criteria for our Grants to Artists scheme and how to apply here.

British Council Collection

For more than 60 years the British Council has been collecting works of art, and on our newly launched website you can find out about our international touring exhibitions, watch artist installation videos, and view artists' works and biographies.

Visual Arts Library

With more than 25,000 books and exhibition catalogues, our library focuses on post-1945 British art. The Library is a library of last resort and is for reference only, but is open by appointment to visitors and researchers.

Contact Us

Details of how to contact the British Council Arts Group.