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.

Keep up to date with our projects and the latest news from the UK arts sector. Our most recent edition includes news on Fashion Revolution Week, the announcement that Cathy Wilkes will represent Britain at the 58th International Art Exhibition and opinions on what is the role of culture post-conflict.  

The British Council is working with five artistic projects to support the Maltese city of Valletta as European Capital of Culture 2018.

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.

The Connected City programme in Seoul, part of UK/Korea 2017-18, provided a way for communities to explore, reimagine and reconnect with the city they live in. Explore the fast-moving and fascinating city and discover how artists, designers, architects and makers from Korea and the UK collaborated in these two short films.

From the Rocky Mountains of British Columbia to the Atlantic Ocean of the East Coast, a series of residencies taking place on cross-Canada trains provided the opportunity for UK and Canadian artists to explore Canada's contemporary cultural landscape whilst creating new work together.

Join us to explore some of the highlights of Hull 2017 as we look back on a successful year that is sure to put the city firmly on the cultural map.