The British Council has launched the Connections Through Culture (CTC) Grants 2026, supporting new artistic and cultural partnerships between the UK and participating countries around the world.
The programme supports artists, creative practitioners, cultural professionals, and organisations working across the arts, culture, and creative sectors. Through funding for collaborative projects, CTC aims to strengthen international cultural relationships, encourage co-creation and knowledge exchange, and support long-term partnerships.
Projects may span a wide range of disciplines, including visual arts, architecture, design, fashion, craft, creative technology, music, literature, theatre, dance, and film.
Funding
Funding levels vary by country, with grants ranging from £5,000 to £15,000.
Grants are awarded per partnership and must cover the full project budget for all partners involved.
Scope and approach
The programme supports collaborative projects that bring together at least one UK-based partner and one partner based in an eligible participating country.
Applications should demonstrate genuine partnership, shared creative development, and mutual benefit for all collaborators. Projects are expected to foster cross-cultural exchange, shared learning, and meaningful international engagement.
Eligible activities include:
Co-creation and artistic development
Residencies and exchanges
Research and development
Workshops, talks and knowledge-sharing activities
Collaborative exhibitions and performances
Festivals and biennials activity
Digital innovation projects
Public programmes and audience engagement
Capacity building and professional development
Interdisciplinary and cross-artform collaborations
Projects must be delivered between December 2026 and December 2027.
Eligibility
Applications are open to:
Artists
Creative practitioners
Cultural professionals
Arts and cultural organisations
Festivals and biennials
Networks, hubs, and collectives
All applications must involve at least one UK-based partner and one partner from an eligible participating country.
Participating countries include South Africa, Kenya, Nigeria, Egypt, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Colombia, Argentina, Mexico, Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam, the Philippines, Australia, New Zealand, Turkey, Ukraine, the United Arab Emirates, and several others across Africa, Asia, Europe, and Latin America.
Application process
Applicants must provide information on the partnership, project activities, timeline, budget, risk management approach and expected outcomes.
Projects that have already taken place or incurred costs before a grant agreement is signed are not eligible for funding.
Application information
Deadline: 12 August 2026
For more information and to apply, click here.
Download and read through the official guidelines carefully before submitting.
Your funding experts
InterArts Funding offers its expertise to assist you in applying for grant opportunities (including this one), leveraging our extensive experience to enhance your chances of securing the grant. It is important to clarify that InterArts Funding is an independent entity and is not affiliated with any specific funding organisation. While we have a commendable track record of success, we cannot guarantee the approval of your application. Grant outcomes depend on various factors beyond our control.