Our work in arts

Find out about our current and upcoming international opportunities for artists, creatives, professionals and organisations.

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.

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.

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.

Keep up to date with our projects and the latest news from the UK arts sector. Our latest includes news on Spirit of '47 at the Edinburgh International Festival, Africa Writes festival, The Guardian's choice of theatre to see this summer, this year's Shubbak Festival plus much more.

In the run-up to UK/India 2017 we're celebrating arts from around the UK. So far we've visited Cardiff, Edinburgh, Liverpool, Sheffield and London with our latest arts tour focussing on Belfast. Delve into the cultural scene of Northern Ireland’s capital and discover how it's lively arts and music scene is of global recognition.

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.

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.

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. 

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.

In partnership with the Department for Culture Media and Sport, the British Council has launched a £30 million fund to protect cultural heritage overseas at risk due to conflict. Find out more.