Connections Through Culture Grants 2026: British Council Funding for UK and International Artists
The Connections Through Culture Grants programme supports artistic collaboration between the UK and participating countries around the world. The initiative, run by the British Council, provides opportunities for artists and cultural organisations to develop new international partnerships, creative projects and collaborations.
The 2026 round expanded the programme to countries across most regions, creating opportunities for a broader range of artists and cultural organisations.
What Are Connections Through Culture Grants?
Connections Through Culture grants are designed to encourage fresh cultural partnerships between the UK and participating countries.
The programme supports new ideas and collaborations from artists and cultural organisations at different stages of development. Projects can cover a wide range of creative disciplines, including visual arts, music, film, literature, theatre, dance, architecture, design and the creative economy.
Previous rounds have supported collaborations in Asia Pacific and Europe, while the 2026 programme expanded its geographical reach.
Read more about Connections Through Culture
2026 Grant Applications
Applications for the 2026 Connections Through Culture Grants closed on 12 August 2026.
The British Council reported receiving a record number of applications from 35 countries, demonstrating significant interest in international cultural collaboration.
Provisional selection outcomes are expected to be communicated from 14 October 2026 onward. However, the British Council has stressed that this timeline is indicative and may change depending on the number of applications, assessment procedures, due diligence requirements, contracting and country-specific requirements.
Applicants should therefore check the official programme information for updates.
Important Information for Applicants
Receiving a provisional selection outcome does not mean that funding has been formally confirmed.
Successful applicants will still need to complete the required due diligence process, provide any requested documentation and sign a grant agreement before funding can be released.
This means applicants should not assume that a provisional selection automatically guarantees financial support.
Who Can Benefit?
The programme is aimed at artists and cultural organisations interested in developing international partnerships and collaborative creative projects.
Depending on the specific programme requirements, potential areas of collaboration can include:
- Architecture, design and fashion
- Creative industries and the creative economy
- Film
- Literature
- Music
- Theatre and dance
- Visual arts
- Culture and global challenges
The programme can therefore be relevant to a broad range of creative professionals and organisations.
Focus on Global Challenges
Connections Through Culture has previously supported projects addressing important global and social issues.
Projects funded through previous rounds have included work focused on diversity and inclusion and addressing climate change.
This approach creates opportunities for artists to use creative collaboration to explore issues that affect communities across borders.
International partnerships can also help artists exchange ideas, develop new audiences and learn from different cultural perspectives.
Previous Grant Recipients
The British Council has published information about projects funded through previous rounds of Connections Through Culture.
Previous grantee information is available for countries including Armenia, Australia, Bangladesh, China, Georgia, Indonesia, Kazakhstan, Malaysia, Myanmar, Nepal, New Zealand, the Philippines, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Turkey, Ukraine, Uzbekistan and Viet Nam.
Reviewing previous projects can be useful for artists and organisations preparing for future funding opportunities because it provides examples of the types of creative partnerships supported through the programme.
How the Programme Can Help Artists
International collaboration can provide artists with opportunities to develop their creative practice while building professional networks outside their home country.
A successful collaboration could involve developing a new artistic project, sharing creative expertise, conducting research, engaging communities or creating work around a shared cultural or global issue.
For emerging artists, established practitioners and cultural organisations, programmes like Connections Through Culture can also provide a pathway to develop international relationships and explore new audiences.
Future Funding Opportunities
Although the 2026 application window has closed, artists and cultural organisations interested in the programme should continue monitoring British Council announcements for information about future rounds.
Keeping track of deadlines is particularly important because international grant programmes can have specific eligibility requirements, country restrictions and application periods.
Applicants should also review previous funded projects to understand the programme’s focus and identify potential partners before the next funding opportunity opens.
Explore the official Connections Through Culture programme:
APPLY ON THE OFFICIAL WEBSITE.
About the British Council
The British Council is the United Kingdom’s international organisation for cultural relations and educational opportunities. It works to build connections, understanding and trust between people in the UK and communities around the world.
Through programmes such as Connections Through Culture, the organisation supports international cultural exchange and collaboration.
Final Thoughts
Connections Through Culture provides an important platform for artists and cultural organisations seeking to develop international creative partnerships. While applications for the 2026 round are now closed, the programme remains worth following for future funding opportunities.
Artists interested in international collaboration should use the current information to begin developing ideas, identifying potential partners and reviewing previous successful projects ahead of future calls.
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