Written by: Eirini Kareta, Programme Manager
The British Council is proud to lead the ambitious CONNECT project, a four-year cross-border initiative funded by the PEACEPLUS programme and managed by the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB). Backed by €2.08 million, CONNECT brings together communities, festivals, and media partners across Northern Ireland and the border counties of Ireland to strengthen relationships rooted in peace, inclusion, and cultural diversity.
Launched on 1 July 2025, CONNECT is a dynamic partnership between the British Council and local civil society organisations: Politics in Action (Northern Ireland) and Create (Ireland). Together, we are unlocking new opportunities for community engagement, creative expression, and media innovation that celebrate both the shared and distinct heritage of the island.
The project aims to create inclusive spaces where people from all backgrounds can come together to learn, celebrate, and collaborate – free from prejudice and intolerance. By fostering social inclusion, cultural diversity, and mutual respect, CONNECT envisions communities that thrive through cooperation and collective creativity.
CONNECT has three main strands. Communities Connect, led by Politics in Action, empowers local leaders and civil society groups to address pressing challenges – such as climate change and social inequality – through training, community mapping, and action-oriented workshops. Festivals Connect, spearheaded by Create, supports festivals and arts organisations to design and deliver inclusive, community-led cultural experiences. It offers co-creation opportunities, training, and peer learning to strengthen arts-based social engagement. Media Connect, coordinated by the British Council, weaves together the broader work of the project by training journalists, content creators, and community members in socially responsible media practices, encouraging dialogue and driving positive change.
Over the course of the project, CONNECT will engage more than 3,400 participants from diverse backgrounds across 17 eligible regions. Particular attention will be given to voices often underrepresented in public discourse, including those affected by the legacy of conflict. By supporting grassroots organisations, festivals, media professionals, and educators, CONNECT aims to build a more peaceful, inclusive, and connected society.
CONNECT is a testament to the power of collaboration – bringing together government support, local organisations, and cultural institutions to deliver lasting impact. Associate partners, Arts Council Ireland and Arts Council Northern Ireland, play a vital role in ensuring strong cross-community engagement and sustainable development.
As the CONNECT project moves forward, the British Council and its partners invite communities, practitioners, and stakeholders to take part in shaping a more inclusive and connected future. Through creativity, collaboration, and shared purpose, we can inspire positive social change across Northern Ireland and Ireland.