Celebrating Creativity with Connections Through Culture

This week, we’re celebrating Connections Through Culture, the British Council grant programme helping creatives in the UK build meaningful international partnerships.

The programme offers grants of between £5,000 and £15,000 for collaborative projects involving at least one UK-based partner and one partner from an eligible participating country.

Applications are welcomed from artists, creative practitioners, cultural organisations, festivals, collectives and creative networks working across areas including music, film, literature, theatre, dance, visual arts, design, fashion, craft, architecture, games and creative technology.

The funding can support a wide range of collaborative activities—from co-creation, research and development to workshops, residencies, exhibitions, performances and digital projects.

By bringing people, perspectives and creative practices together across borders, Connections Through Culture gives new partnerships the time and resources they need to develop ambitious ideas and share them with wider audiences.

Projects supported through the programme will take place between December 2026 and December 2027.

Applications close at 11.59pm BST on Wednesday 12th August 2026.

Find out more about Connections Through Culture

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➡️ Every Friday we use the Handle blog and socials to celebrate the creative industries. If you would like to nominate a festival, charity, event or initiative that supports and promotes the UK’s creative industries, please get in touch!