About the programme

The British Council’s Connections Through Culture (CTC) Grants support artistic collaboration between the UK and select countries in Asia, Europe and Australasia’. The grants support collaborative projects between artists, creative practitioners and arts organisations, fostering cross-cultural exchange and lasting relationships.

In 2024, the programme awarded over £741,000 across 11 countries in the Asia Pacific region, supporting 84 collaborations. The projects explored a wide range of themes, including diversity and inclusion and climate action, and supported collaborations such as Deaf-led music events, international theatre productions, digital art residencies, and creative workshops. For 2025 the programme has expanded to include new countries, providing more opportunities for a broader range of international partners.

Who Can Apply?

• Each application must comprise of at least one UK partner and one international partner from the following countries: Australia, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bangladesh, Mainland China, Indonesia, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Malaysia, Myanmar, Nepal, New Zealand Philippines, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Turkey, Ukraine, Uzbekistan, Viet Nam.
• Organisations and individuals are eligible to apply.
• For the UK, eligible individuals are those who are living and working in the UK and for participating countries, individuals need to be residents of that country.

Eligibility Criteria

• Whilst applications covering all artforms and outcomes are welcome, those that respond to the themes of diversity and inclusion and climate change may be prioritised during final decision-making.
• Applications from both new and returning partners are eligible, and we’re particularly keen to hear from those we have not previously worked with.
• Collaboration is central to the programme, and partners should work together to co-create, co-deliver, or co-explore innovative artistic and cultural projects.

How to apply

• Applications must be submitted online through the form linked here. You will need to create a free account to complete your application.
• An application must be submitted by one lead applicant. The form has collaboration enabled so you will be able to invite your project partner to collaborate on the form.

Application Deadline: June 23, 2025 (15.00 BST)

If you have any access needs in order to complete the application, or require further details please submit an enquiry here.

For more guidelines, FAQ’s and details about the Grant, head over to the British Council website linked below