Current and upcoming international opportunities for artists, creatives, professionals, and organisations
This page lists all opportunities open to UK applicants, and overseas partners. Given the international nature of our work and the evolving situation with COVID-19, please note that some of the opportunities below may be subject to change. Find out more about our response to Covid-19 here.
Our opportunities are updated regularly and consist of global and regional call-outs.
UK only
We're inviting proposals from UK suppliers to curate, coordinate and produce a one-week residency programme focused on cultural governance and leadership which must be designed from November 2022 to February 2023. Through this initiative, 10 Mexican creative leaders will be supported to develop new governance proposals, whilst engaging in and being inspired by a series of talks, workshops and discussions exploring approaches to cultural leadership and governance.
Detail: The UK supplier will lead on programming, coordinating and producing the one week residency in the UK. The budget managed by the UK supplier is £70,000 GBP (VAT included), which should include the proposed fee of the UK supplier.
Deadline: Deadline for proposals is 4 December 2022 23.59 GMT
Global or multiple countries
Eurovision cultural commissions
As host city of the Eurovision Song Contest 2023 (which shoud be taking place in Ukraine), Liverpool will be delivering a cultural festival in the lead up to the main event with a series of commissions, events and installations which will act as a platform for modern Ukraine. With our partners at Culture Liverpool, we're looking for creatives, artists, makers and performers to help transform Liverpool in May 2023
Grant: Up to £125,000.
Open to: This fund is available to artists from across UK and all nations competing in Eurovision 2023, with a preference for artists from Ukraine and Liverpool.
There are three strands of commissioning:
- UK x Ukraine Commissions
These commissions will bring together Ukrainian and UK based artists and producers to collaborate on creating new projects. - Music United
These commissions will celebrate the power of music to bring communities together. - Eurovision in Liverpool
Deadline: Expressions of interest close on Monday 12 December 2022.
The International Radio Playwriting Competition 2023
Writers from around the world are invited to submit their scripts for the 28th International Radio Playwriting Competition, which is now open for entries.
The global competition, hosted by BBC World Service and the British Council, offers the unique opportunity for writers from outside the UK to use the medium of audio drama to tell stories for an international audience. We are looking for entries in two categories: English as a First Language and English as a Second Language. The two first prizes can come from either category.
Prize: Both winners will receive a cash prize of £2,500 sterling and will attend an award ceremony in London to see their plays being recorded for broadcast and streaming on BBC World Service. A Special Commendation will be made for the runner-up.
Open to: Entry is only open to anyone who at 12 February 2023 is (a) over the age of 18 and (b) not considered to be a resident of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, Channel Islands or Isle of Man (“UK”). Professional and previously published writers are eligible to enter, but this is not a requirement of entry.
Deadline: entries close at midnight GMT on 12 February 2023.
UK / POLAND Arts scoping grants
Applications are now open for scoping grants in preparation for a proposed UK/Poland season in 2025. At this scoping stage we are offering grants of £2,500 to start conversations and establish partnerships. The grants are open to arts and cultural organisations in both UK and Poland
Grant: Up to £2,500
Open to: The grants are open to arts and cultural organisations, large or small, in both UK and Poland. If the proposed project is clearly shared between two organizations then only one of the organizations can apply for the grant. The grants are not open to individual artists, although a curator may be considered if the project is strong enough.
Deadline: 4 January 2023
Cultural Protection Fund small grants open call
Our Cultural Heritage Fund supports efforts to keep cultural heritage safe. If your organisation has a project to safeguard cultural heritage from risks relating to conflict, instability and/or climate change you can apply for up to £100,000.
Grant: Up to £100,000.
Open to: Organisations can apply from anywhere in the world, but must be working in one of the fund’s target countries or territories: Middle East and North Africa (MENA) – Algeria, Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon, Libya, Occupied Palestinian Territories, Syria, Tunisia and Yemen; East Africa – Ethiopia, Kenya, Sudan, Tanzania and Uganda; South Asia – Afghanistan. If you are not based in one of the above countries or territories, you can apply but you must have a local partner where the project is taking place. Individuals and sole traders are not eligible to apply.
Deadline: N/A.
Americas
Please check back soon for more opportunities.
East Asia
Connections Through Culture: China
Connections through Culture is a long-term programme to develop exciting cultural collaborations between artists and arts organisations, supporting long-lasting relationships between China and the UK.
Grant: £2,500.
Deadline: rolling.
Open to: artists and arts organisations in the UK and China.
China Now is a digital hub offering insights, exclusive content, and opportunities for UK based creatives and organisations interested in working in China.
Opportunity: insights, content, and opportunities.
Deadline: N/A.
Open to: UK creatives and organisations.
Middle East and North Africa
Please check back soon for more opportunities.
South Asia
Please check back soon for more opportunities.
Sub-Saharan Africa
Please check back soon for more opportunities.
Wider Europe
Please check back soon for more opportunities.