The British Council has today, 9 July, 2024, launched its Connections Through Culture arts grants, a £700,000 ($1.3m AU) initiative aimed at fostering artistic collaborations between the UK and Asia-Pacific countries.

The programme offers up to £5,000 (approximately $9,600 AU) to applicants in Australia for the development of projects that promote international cooperation between the UK and the region.

The grants are open to all art forms, with a particular focus on projects addressing Climate Change and Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion.

Each project must include at least one UK-based applicant and one Australian-based applicant, emphasising the importance of genuine international collaboration.

Helen Salmon, Director of the British Council in Australia, highlighted the significance of the programme: “We’re proud to be supporting new creative collaborations between the United Kingdom and Australia through our Connections Through Culture grants. These grants can spark big ideas and major collaborations, fostering meaningful artistic exchanges and mutual understanding.”

The application process is designed to support a wide range of artists and organisations. The British Council is providing extensive resources, including an application toolkit, FAQs, and information sessions to guide potential applicants.

Applications are now open, with a series of information sessions scheduled to...