The unique partnership organisation Wales Arts International (WAI) is set to continue after a new agreement between the British Council and the Arts Council of Wales (ACW).

The agreement was signed by the British Council’s CEO, Martin Davidson, and Peter Tyndall, Chief Executive of the Arts Council of Wales, and also marks the tenth anniversary of WAI, paving the way for new, longer term projects on an international platform.

Five year strategy
The agreement comes at the same time as the development of WAI’s new five year strategy, Creating 2013, which outlines plans for increased artistic connections between Wales and the world.

Looking towards 2013, WAI’s strategy aims are:

• to create more international opportunities for the arts in Wales by empowering more artists and cultural organisations from Wales to work internationally
• to increase investment into the arts through WAI’s work
• to increase visibility and recognition for the arts and culture of Wales and to develop cultural relations with others.

WAI Director, Eluned Hâf says: ‘We now focus our sights towards 2013 and plan how we want the arts and creativity in Wales to engage with the world, and also how to benefit from the growth and confidence of our creative sector. We must continuously develop our collective capacity to participate internationally.’

Supporting a variety of projects
Since 1997, WAI has supported a variety of projects from international residency programmes and individual exchanges to group representations of Welsh artists and arts organisations at events such as the Edinburgh International Festival Showcase and the Venice Biennale of Art. WAI is currently involved with the British Council's project ‘In search of the Red Dragon’, welcoming eight emerging artists from China to Wales. The second part of this artistic exchange programme, ‘In search of the Golden Dragon’, will see artists from Wales travelling to China.

Says Martin Davidson on WAI: ‘In the true spirit of partnership this ambitious agreement sets out a clear and common goal that will enhance real opportunities for the flourishing of Welsh Culture and the UK as a whole. It is our shared belief that the arts and creative industries have a vital role to play in building trust and understanding around the world.’

More information
Find out more about the British Council’s work in the Arts by visiting our Arts pages.