Arts

Our global arts team works with the best of British creative talent to develop innovative, high-quality events and collaborations that link thousands of artists and cultural institutions around the world, drawing them into a closer relationship with the UK.  

Find out more about the British Council Arts Group

Current activities

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Benjamin Barber speaking on art and democracy. Photo: Matt Writtle

Has modern art sold out to consumerism?

Modern art has sold out by buying in to modern consumerism, argued US political theorist Dr Benjamin Barber at the latest event in the British Council’s 75th anniversary lecture series.

Fifth Curator shortlist announced

This unique opportunity for an aspiring curator to select an exhibition of works from the British Council Collection for the Whitechapel Gallery, London, attracted 161 applications from 47 countries from Argentina to Zimbabwe.

BBC World Service to broadcast winning plays

Plays by Efo Kodjo Mawugbe from Ghana and Erin Browne from the USA will be broadcast during November as part of their prize as winners in our International Radio Playwriting Competition.

Highlights

National Dance Company Wales. Photography: Roy Campbell-Moore

National Dance Company Wales take UK contemporary dance to China

Building on its growing reputation on the international stage NDCW made its debut tour to three cities in China in October. The flagship arts company toured South West China for 10 days, introducing new audiences to contemporary dance from the UK.

UK design talent participates in Experimenta

Six designers and collectives - Åbäke, Linda Brothwell, Anthony Burrill, Fabien Cappello, Ben Kelly and public works - were asked to create a series of site-specific commissions in Lisbon as part of Experimenta 2009.

Iraqi cellist in rehearsal for the debut performance - photo Michael Luongo.

First ever National Youth Orchestra of Iraq established

A young Iraqi pianist has realised her dream by starting the first National Youth Orchestra of Iraq. After months of hard work by Zuhal Sultan, the orchestra’s school opened for two weeks of rehearsals to prepare for their first performance in Iraq.

British Council Arts & Business Award

Takeda Pharmaceutical Company / London Symphony Orchestra were this year’s winners of the International Award with a partnership that seeks to break down barriers and bring the best in culture and business to every corner of the globe. Pharmaceuticals giant Takeda has taken the LSO to delighted audiences throughout the world through a staggering 192 sponsored concerts so far.

UK Young Creative Entrepreneur Awards

Applications are currently being accepted for the Music, Fashion and Publishing awards. If you are a UK resident aged 25-35 with at least three years professional experience in the relevant sectors then we want to hear from you.

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