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.
In 2017, Hull is the UK’s City of Culture. As International Partner for the festival, the British Council is creating new connections and ideas through arts, culture and education in Hull. Tell the World, the fourth and final season, runs from October to December 2017 and has an exciting line-up of British Council programmes, from spoken word to public art, virtual reality to singing in schools.
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.
During October writers from all over the world descend on Hull for Contains Strong Language, the BBC's national festival of poetry and spoken word and part of the Hull City of Culture programme.
As part of the 2017 UK/India Year of Culture, Actress, Sandunes, Jack Barnett, percussionist Jivraj Singh and vocalist Priya Purushothaman have been collaborating on a series of three audiovisual events titled Different Trains 1947. Taking influence from Steve Reich’s original work of the same name, the artists will perform their newly-composed work in Liverpool, London and Rajasthan.
Global audiences can now explore our special Spirit of '47 programme at the Edinburgh International Festival 2017 online. Through a major partnership with BBC Arts Digital, you can catch up on a programme of theatre, music and discussion with artists from all corners of the world, as part of a season to mark the International Festival's 70th anniversary. Bloom photo: © Chris Scott
Our crowd-sourced digital storytelling project in partnership with Aardman is continuing to take shape as we reach the midway point of the story. Each week, audiences have been contributing and selecting another line to the story, which is then interpreted and illustrated by 7 artists from the UK and India. Take part in developing the story and see each artist’s version online now.
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.
Keep up to date with our projects and the latest news from the UK arts sector. Read our latest newsletter to catch up on Saptan Stories - our digital storytelling project with Aarmand Animations, Cultural Protection Fund news, a new exhibition on graphic design from India and much more.
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.
