Edinburgh Showcase 2017
The Edinburgh Showcase is the single biggest opportunity for UK theatre and dance companies to introduce their work to international promoters. Discover more about the exciting 2017 programme over on our Showcase website.
Our work in arts
Arts is a cornerstone of the British Council’s mission to create a friendly knowledge and understanding between the people of the UK and the wider world. We find new ways of connecting with and understanding each other through the arts, to develop stronger creative sectors around the world that are better connected with the UK.
Arts Opportunities
Find out about our current and upcoming international opportunities for artists, creatives, professionals and organisations.
About Arts
Arts is a cornerstone of the British Council’s mission to create a friendly knowledge and understanding between the people of the UK and the wider world.
Curate the British Pavilion at the Architecture Biennale 2018
We are looking for exhibition proposals for the British Pavilion at the Architecture Venice Biennale, 26 May to 25 November 2018. Proposals must respond to the 2018 Biennale theme ‘Freespace’ and offer a new experience of contemporary British architecture, reflecting on its relationship with the rest of the world. The deadline for expressions of interest is 7 August 2017.
Spirit of '47 at Edinburgh International Festival
Our season celebrating 70 years of Edinburgh International Festival, is now on sale. A ten-day programme of performance and discussion takes place in the Scottish capital from 6 - 16 August. In 1947 the British Council helped to found the first Edinburgh International Festival in a shared belief that the arts could change the world.
Read the latest Arts Newsletter
Keep up to date with our projects and the latest news from the UK arts sector. Read this week's to catch up on Our Shared European Future recommendations, the 40 year anniversary of Yorkshire Sculpture Park, news on our Heritage Lottery Fund project plus we've packed in plenty of arts opportunities.
Discover Phyllida Barlow’s exhibition at the British Pavilion in Venice
Discover British artist Phyllida Barlow’s ambitious installation for the British Pavilion at the Venice Biennale. Barlow’s exhibition, entitled 'folly', playfully challenges us to explore our own understanding of sculpture as she transforms everyday materials, such as timber and fabric, into bold sculptures that infiltrate the entire building and even spill outside.
Hull UK City of Culture 2017
In 2017, Hull is the UK City of Culture. As International Partner for the festival, the British Council will increase the impact for Hull and the UK culture sector more widely, creating new connections and ideas through arts, culture and education.
UK-India Year of Culture
A celebration of the long-standing relationship between the UK and India which will see cultural events taking place in both countries throughout 2017. Highlights of the programme include an interactive digital project with Aardman Animations, a tour of Studio Wayne McGregor’s production ‘FAR’, and a screening of the silent film ‘Shiraz’ with the Taj Mahal as a backdrop.
UK/UAE Year of Creative Collaboration
Throughout 2017, we are bringing a diverse programme of arts and cultural events to the UAE. We are showcasing the very best of UK arts, literature, education, society, sport, science and trade to Emirate audiences. Keep up to date with the highlights from the season.
UK/Korea 2017-18
Running from February 2017 to March 2018, the season will bring the latest arts and culture from the UK to different parts of Korea. Launching with a concert from the London Symphony Orchestra in Seoul, the programme showcases a wide range of British art forms across dance, theatre, film, visual arts, literature and music in multiple Korean cities.
