Here are some answers to some of the most Frequently Asked Questions from interested partners.

What kind of activities can BI ARTS support?
BI ARTS can support any activity or proposal that offers development opportunities for professional artists. This could be in the form of workshops, lectures, studio visits or seminars with visiting artists from the UK or Israel respectively. If you have an idea for a different activity that will contribute to professional development in your community, please speak to us about it. You will need to demonstrate how the activity meets BI ARTS aims and objectives in your application.

What are BI ARTS main objectives and values?
BI ARTS enables British and Israeli professional artists to expand into new areas by creating opportunities for them to work and learn together. Our aim is to create a genuine exchange of knowledge and ideas between the UK and Israel, with long-term possibilities for collaboration and skills development in both countries.

Can I apply for a scholarship for an arts course in the UK?
No. BI ARTS provides some financial support for skills development or exchange of professional artists through special projects or activities. We do not support courses of individual study. If you are applying for postgraduate study in the UK, you might be eligible for our Chevening Scholarship programme. Alternatively, our Education UK pages provide information on other sources of funding available for Higher Education in the UK.

I am in Higher Education; can I apply to BI ARTS?
In some cases we work with Higher Education institutes to develop special projects for students on the brink of a professional career in the arts. These applications must come from the Institution, not individuals. In general, BI ARTS can only support special projects for groups of students, not individuals. If you are working for a Higher Education Institute and are thinking of applying, it is a good idea to talk to us to discuss your idea. If you are a student in Higher Education, please go to your tutor or head of department with your ideas.

I want to work with a specific partner but don’t know how to develop a professional development programmes, how can you help?
We can assist with advice and ideas for professional development programmes that meet the needs of your sector in the UK or in Israel.  If successful, you have to take full responsibility for the administration of the project at a level that meets high standards that BI ARTS and the British Council requires.

What level of financial support does BI ARTS provide?
BI ARTS awards can vary from small grants that will assist with airfares and accommodation to larger amounts for bigger or longer term initiatives. In general, larger awards are granted to reciprocal initiatives that will create opportunities for artists both in the UK and in Israel. In all cases, awards are granted for specific expenses and will be paid against documentation of your actual expenditure (for example, if you receive an award to pay for an artist’s airfare, you must submit the receipt for the air ticket with your invoice). It is important that your application includes an accurate and realistic budget. In general, we expect you to be able to at least match funding from other sources.

If I am successful, what do I have to do next?
You must deliver the project to a high standard and in line with the Terms and Conditions that you are required to sign on accepting the award. The British Council cannot take on administrative responsibility for the project, so you must be able to manage all administrative matters relating to the project to a high professional standard. Please remember that artists travelling to Israel or the UK want to feel comfortable and confident about their trip in order to focus on the artistic objectives of the project, so you need to provide them with a high level of support.
It is very important that from the point that we confirm the award you work with the BI ARTS team to agree on matters relating to the programme and any promotional activity or printed materials you are planning. It is equally important that you complete the evaluation procedure and we will withhold payment until this is done. This is essential for our reporting and to ensure that BI ARTS continues to grow and support new projects.

What are BI ARTS main objectives and values?
Encouraging professional British and Israel artists to develop in new areas by creating opportunities for them to work and learn together. Our aim is to create a genuine exchange of knowledge and ideas between the UK and Israel, with long-term possibilities for collaboration and skills development in both countries.

At what stage of the project development should I approach BI ARTS?
It is best to involve us in the early stages of the project’s development for advice and consultation. Please submit your application as early as possible, but your partners must have confirmed their participation at the time of applying. The dates for your project activity must be scheduled to take place at least 8 weeks after the BI ARTS published deadline.

When is the deadline?
BI ARTS publishes four or five deadlines at regular intervals throughout the year. It is important that you check the deadline, which is always published on our BI ARTS home page. We cannot accept applications for projects that are taking place less than eight weeks after the published deadline. If you have any doubt about the date check it on the BI ARTS page or contacts us.

How can I get more information about BI ARTS events?
You can find details of current Bi ARTS events on our events page.