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. 

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. 70 years on, in our fast-changing world, we're teaming up with the International Festival once again to reignite the Spirit of ’47 and celebrate international cultural collaboration.