Written by: Anne Duncan, President and Country Director British Council France and Sarah Bagshaw, Head of Arts France
In an era where political dynamics and global events have put strains on international relations, the role of cultural exchange becomes increasingly vital. One such initiative aiming to strengthen the ties between the UK and France is the Spotlight on Culture 2024 programme, spearheaded by the British Council France. Running from March to November 2024, the programme was designed to strengthen the ties between the UK and France, particularly in the context of post-Brexit relations and the continued recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic. It became a vital platform for cultural exchange, creating new opportunities for collaboration across the arts.
Recognising the historical and institutional bonds shared between the two countries, the programme aims to transcend political turbulence and foster collaboration in an interconnected world, leveraging cultural partnerships to bridge divides and inspire new avenues of cooperation. Brexit presented significant challenges for the cultural sector, particularly in terms of eligibility for funding programmes like Creative Europe. The loss of such avenues not only impacted financial support but also severed longstanding collaborative ties. Practical hurdles, such as visa requirements and logistical complexities further complicated international engagements.
To help address those challenges and create a springboard supporting higher levels of ambition, the British Council France created a programme: the UK/France Spotlight on Culture 2024 Together We Imagine. Over a three-year period culminating in events across 2024, this provided a vital platform stimulating cross-border collaboration among artists and cultural organisations. The programme built new connections, demonstrating the enduring value of cross-border cooperation. This principle is encapsulated in the theme of the programme, ‘Imaginons ensemble/ Together We Imagine’, underscoring the power of collective vision in navigating uncertain times.
A standout project was an Olympic Games and art exhibition across several venues in Marseille, which featured London 2012 Olympic posters from the British Council Collection specifically at Frac Sud. Among anchor projects was the exhibition “Friends in Love and War – L’éloge des meilleur·es ennemi·es”, jointly curated by the macLYON in Lyon and the Ikon Gallery in Birmingham. This exhibition explored the theme of UK-France friendship through art, facilitating artistic exchanges between the two countries. The programme also featured bilateral initiatives, such as supporting emerging artists in visual arts and contemporary music through partnerships with the Institut Français and the French Ministry of Culture.
Central to the success of the programme is the facilitative role played by the British Council. Acting as a connector between UK and French partners, the British Council leverages its expertise and network to identify synergies and opportunities for collaboration. Through open calls, targeted outreach, and grant funding, the British Council empowers artists and organisations to realise their creative visions and strengthen cross-border ties. The programme's ability to forge lasting collaborations was evident across multiple art forms, from visual arts to music and film. Over 65 projects reached more than 997,105participants, and 70 new partnerships were established between UK and French organisations. The programme also secured additional funding, raising £1.45 million, which demonstrates its broad and lasting impact on the cultural sector. It also facilitated the creation of new, diverse artistic works that expanded the boundaries of cultural diplomacy.
Looking to the future, the programme’s legacy is clear. As Gus Casely-Hayford, Director of V&A East, pointed out: “We share goals for the future, similar challenges but I also think similar sorts of answers with how we are going to deal with those challenges. Working together is what I think this programme was set up to try to interrogate.” His reflection speaks to the broader implications of the programme: the fostering of international partnerships that go beyond art to address shared global challenges.
UK/France Spotlight on Culture 2024 has proven to be an exceptional success, laying the groundwork for deeper, more sustained cultural exchanges between the UK and France. Its outcomes not only highlight the power of creative collaboration but also demonstrate the potential of arts and culture as a diplomatic tool. As Ambassador Rawlings stated, “I think we have every opportunity to ensure that the cultural and artistic relationship between the UK and France goes from strength to strength.”
The programme’s impact will continue to resonate, offering new avenues for partnership and cooperation for years to come. British Ambassador to France, Menna Rawlings, noted, “In terms of the impact of the Spotlight on Culture, I think it’s been an incredible opportunity to highlight the deep, wide cultural links between the UK and France, but also to look into how we could diversify these links into different communities, different audiences to create new connections with towns and cities and villages across France, with the UK.” Her words reflect the programme's success in extending cultural ties beyond major cities, fostering deeper connections across regions. “I really hope that this is not the end, but the end of the beginning,” she added, highlighting the long-term vision of the programme.