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.
Saptan Stories
A crowd-sourced digital storytelling project which will result in a unique short story told online across 7 weeks. Each week, audiences will add another line to the story, which will then be interpreted and illustrated by 7 artists from the UK and India. Saptan Stories is a creative collaboration between Aardman and the British Council as a part of UK/India 2017.
Spirit of '47 at Edinburgh International Festival
We've teamed up with BBC Arts to bring Spirit of '47 to audiences all over the world. You can catch live streams and highlights from our season celebrating 70 years of Edinburgh International Festival, with coverage starting from 7 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.
Glasgow's New Wave
Our latest film in partnership with Boiler Room, part of our ongoing series exploring the music scenes of UK cities, explores the impact on Glasgow of a budding new wave of producers and music creatives looking beyond traditional staples for inspiration.
Read the latest Arts Newsletter
Keep up to date with our projects and the latest news from the UK arts sector. Read our latest to catch up on BBC Art's digital programme from Spirit of '47 at the Edinburgh International Festival, news on Edinburgh Showcase which launches on 21 August, our Culture After Brexit blog series, the latest on Saptan Stories plus much more.
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.
Festivals and seasons
Through the promotion of arts, English, science, and education we work on high-profile international festivals and seasons to introduce millions of people around the world to the best of UK culture and innovation.
