Connections Through Culture (CTC) is the British Council’s flagship programme for fostering international cultural collaboration, strengthening partnerships between artists, creative professionals, cultural practitioners and organisations in the United Kingdom and other participating countries.

The programme promotes meaningful relationships, intercultural exchange and long-term cooperation between the United Kingdom and participating countries. Projects may cover a wide range of themes and artistic disciplines, including Visual Arts, Architecture, Design, Fashion, Crafts, Music, Literature, Theatre, Dance and Film.

This initiative is aimed at creative professionals, cultural practitioners, artists, organisations, festivals, biennials, hubs and collectives that meet the eligibility criteria and can demonstrate meaningful collaboration between the United Kingdom and a participating country.

Further information about the British Council’s work across arts and culture is available on the British Council Arts website.

Eligible countries

Argentina, Australia, Bangladesh, Colombia, Mainland China, Egypt, Indonesia, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Lebanon, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Nigeria, Pakistan, Palestine, Peru, Philippines, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Tanzania, Thailand, Tunisia, Türkiye, United Arab Emirates, Ukraine, Uzbekistan, Venezuela, Vietnam, Western Balkans (Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Serbia).

Grant limits and the number of awards vary between countries. Please refer to the table for maximum grant requests per applicant:

Grant amount  For projects between the UK and: 
Up to £15,000 Argentina*, Colombia*, Peru*, Arabia Saudita, Bangladesh, Pakistan
Up to £10,000 Mainland China, Indonesia, Kazakhstan, Lebanon, Malaysia, Nigeria, Palestine, Philippines, Thailand, Tunisia, Türkiye, United Arab Emirates, Ukraine**, Uzbekistan, Venezuela*, Vietnam, Western Balkans (including Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Serbia). 
Up to £9,000 Egypt
Up to £8,000 Mexico*
Up to £7,500 Kenya
Up to £6,500 South Africa
Up to £5,000 Australia, New Zealand, Tanzania.

* Climate change and sustainability focus.  

** Applicants must provide evidence of appropriate war related risk management, safeguarding plan and follow FCDO travel advice for any in-person activity involving individuals travelling from outside Ukraine.

  • Applications open 17 June 2026 12:00 BST (UK time)
  • Applications close 12 August 2026 23:59 BST (UK time)
  • Notification of decision sent to applicants: from October until november 2026
  • Project delivery period: December 2026 – December 2027

Registration link for all sessions

Information sessions for applicants based in participating countries globally.

  • Tuesday 30 June, 08:00–9:30 (BST) BSL interpretation available
  • Tuesday 30 June, 15:00–16:30 (BST)

Global information session for Visual Arts, Architecture, Design, Fashion and Craft festival and biennial applicants.

  • Wednesday 1 July, 10:00–11:30 (BST)

Global information session for Creative Technology projects, including digital arts, XR/immersive, and games. Plus, Visual Arts, Architecture, Design, Fashion and Craft festival and biennial applicants.

  • Wednesday 1 July, 15:00–16:30 (BST)

Eligible individuals and organisations, including:

  • artists
  • creative practitioners
  • cultural professionals
  • festivals
  • biennials
  • hubs
  • networks
  • collectives

  1. Partnership requirement: Applications must include at least one UK-based partner and one partner from an eligible participating country.
  2. Themes and disciplines: The open call welcomes a broad range of artistic disciplines, cultural heritage projects and creative sectors.
  3. Budget currency: All budgets must be submitted in pounds sterling (GBP).
  4. Project delivery period: Projects must take place between December 2026 to December 2027. All funded activity must be completed by December 2027
  5. Final reporting: Final reports must be submitted within one month of project completion.
  6. Application language: Applications must be submitted in English.
  7. Application platform: Applications must be submitted through the Good Grants platform.

External links

Share this