British Council launches Connections Through Culture Grants 2026 to deepen UK-PH artistic partnerships

The British Council has officially launched the 2026 cycle of its flagship Connections Through Culture (CTC) grants program. The initiative is designed to seed-fund bilateral creative collaborations, cross-cultural exchanges, and long-term institutional partnerships between creative practitioners in the United Kingdom and 35 participating countries worldwide, including the Philippines.

In a significant expansion for 2026, the program will expand to include two legacy

British Council scheme: Biennials Connect (Visual Arts) grants and the Architecture, Design and Fashion Biennials and Festivals Grants. This consolidation forms a single, streamlined funding platform supporting artistic expressions ranging from visual arts and music to literature, performance, architecture, design, and film.

“At the heart of the British Council’s mission is a belief that culture connects people in powerful and enduring ways,” said British Council Philippines Country Director, Lotus Postrado. “Connections Through Culture creates opportunities for artists and creative practitioners from the UK and the Philippines to come together, share perspectives, and create new work. In doing so, it fosters lasting partnerships that deepen mutual understanding and strengthen the ties between our creative communities.”

Applications for the 2026 cycle are open to creative practitioners, cultural professionals, artists, creative hubs, festivals, biennials, and organisations. To be eligible, projects must demonstrate a meaningful collaboration involving at least one UK-based collaborator and one partner legally established in a participating nation.

FOCUS ON ASIA PACIFIC CREATIVE SECTOR

To assist regional applicants in navigating the application criteria and developing highly competitive applications, the British Council will host a series of information sessions led by our in-country Arts Managers.

–Asia Pacific Regional Session: Monday, 22 June 2026 | 08:00 – 09:30 BST

Countries included: Australia, Bangladesh, Mainland China, Indonesia, Malaysia, New Zealand, Pakistan, Philippines, Thailand, UK, and Vietnam.

–Global General Session: Wednesday, 24 June 2026

All participating territories.

FUNDING AND ELIGIBILITY

Projects must involve at least one UK-based partner and one partner from an eligible country. Funding amounts vary by location:

–Up to £15,000: Bangladesh, Pakistan

–Up to £10,000: Mainland China, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Thailand, Vietnam.

–Up to £5,000: Australia, New Zealand

Eligible activities include co-creation, residencies, research and development, collaborative exhibitions, and public programs.

CRITICAL DATES

The applications for CTC close on Wednesday, 12 August 2026 at 23:59 BST. Applicants are strongly advised to consult the official 2026 application toolkit and comprehensive FAQs prior to submission.