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.
David Shrigley: Lose Your Mind
Lose Your Mind is a comprehensive exhibition that highlights the breadth of David Shrigley’s practice and his darkly witty imaginings. Key works include Ostrich, 2009, a new acquisition for the British Council Collection, in which a taxidermied bird loses its head and gains a droll menace. The exhibition first opened in Mexico last year and is now on its way to Seoul, South Korea to open on 6 October.
Three Adventures in Accessible Music Technology
Discover how disabled artists are harnessing the latest technology to change the music scene in this short film about Accessible Music Technology (AMT) from our Disability Arts International team.
Read the latest Arts Newsletter
Keep up to date with our projects and the latest news from the UK arts sector. Our latest edition includes a podcast from London Design Festival, an article about Mercury Prize winner Skepta, and an interview with performance artist Jess Thom.
Cultural Protection Fund
In partnership with the Department for Culture Media and Sport, we are pleased to announce that the next round of the £30 Cultural Protection Fund is now open for applications.
Complete Works: Tabletop Shakespeare live stream
From 1-9 September, we host an extraordinary retelling of every Shakespeare play ever written from one of the UK’s most radical theatre companies. Forced Entertainment's performers condense each Shakespeare play into a series of lovingly-made miniatures, played out on a tabletop using a collection of everyday objects at the prestigious Theaterfestival Basel in Switzerland.
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.
Gateways Nigeria
In partnership with Boiler Room, we explore the contemporary music scene in Lagos and the connections between UK and Nigerian music culture in Gateways Nigeria. We are releasing a series of films and features, including contributions and performances from Tony Allen, Giggs, Moses Boyd, Don Jazzy, and Mr Eazi, among others.
UK - India 2017 online arts tour
In 2017, the UK and India will celebrate a major year of cultural exchange. Alongside partners we will present a programme of cultural events and activities in India throughout the year. In the lead-up, join us for an online arts tour of the UK, and discover inspiring and exciting art being made and enjoyed in different cities arcross the country.
DIY music culture: punk and grime
2016 marks the 40 year anniversary of punk. The legacy of punk inspired a whole generation of bands, and its DIY ethos was central to its influence on music, style and politics. In our latest Arts podcast, writers Jon Savage and Laura Brosnan (AKA Hyperfrank) are in conversation to discuss DIY music culture, and compare and contrast the punk and grime scenes.
Arts Opportunities
Find out about our current and upcoming international opportunities for artists, creatives, professionals and organisations.
