British Council Expands UK-Australia Arts Grants to £5,000

The British Council has expanded its arts funding for UK-Australia collaborations, consolidating three international streams into the Connections Through Culture (CTC) grants program. Australian creatives can now apply for up to £5,000 to support collaborative projects across visual arts, architecture, music, literature, theatre, dance, film, design, fashion, craft, and creative technology. Helen Salmon, Director of the British Council in Australia, emphasized the importance of genuine collaboration, with both partners contributing equally. Last year, 127 recipients from 35 countries received grants, including four Australian projects: Bat Night Market with UK artist Robert Charles Johnson, Regenesis with Australian designer Dr Sam McGilp and UK artist Luisa Charles, GUURANDA x Rise with Australian choreographer Jacob Boehme and Dance North Scotland, and From the Margins with Australia's TextaQueen and UK's Raju Rage. The program prioritizes projects addressing climate and sustainability, diversity and inclusion, and creative technology. Applications for 2026 close on 12 August 2026, with guidelines available on the British Council website.