Organizer Information
Connections Through Culture (CTC) is a flagship international grant programme supporting cultural exchange and long-term collaboration between the United Kingdom and a wide network of participating countries worldwide. The programme is part of a broader cultural diplomacy initiative aimed at strengthening artistic partnerships, fostering intercultural dialogue, and enabling sustainable creative collaboration across borders.
CTC supports artists, cultural organisations, festivals, biennials, creative hubs, and collectives to co-develop projects that generate meaningful artistic exchange and shared production. It brings together practitioners across disciplines such as visual arts, performance, design, literature, and digital innovation.
The 2026 edition consolidates previous funding streams including Biennials Connect and Architecture, Design and Fashion Biennials & Festivals Grants, becoming the main international collaboration grant programme replacing previous International Collaboration Grants.
Title & Description
Connections Through Culture 2026 — International Collaboration Grants
The Connections Through Culture 2026 programme offers funding to support collaborative artistic projects between UK-based practitioners and partners in eligible participating countries worldwide.
The programme is designed to enable cross-cultural collaboration, co-creation, and long-term artistic exchange. Selected projects are expected to contribute to shared learning, innovation, and sustainable international partnerships across artistic disciplines.
Grants ranging from £5,000 to £15,000 are available to support the development and delivery of collaborative projects across multiple art forms, including Visual Arts, Theatre, Dance, Music, Literature, Architecture, Design, and Creative Technology.
Projects may include research and development, residencies, exhibitions, performances, festivals, public programming, workshops, and interdisciplinary experimentation. The emphasis is placed on collaboration between at least one UK-based partner and one international partner from an eligible country.
Funded activities must take place between December 2026 and December 2027 and must demonstrate meaningful artistic exchange and mutual development.
Categories
- Visual Arts
- Theatre
- Dance
- Music
- Literature
- Architecture
- Design
- Fashion
- Craft
- Film
- Creative Technology
- Digital Arts
- XR / Immersive Media
- Games
- Interdisciplinary Arts
- Festivals / Biennials
Eligibility
Eligible applicants include:
- Individual artists and creative practitioners
- Cultural and arts organisations
- Festivals and biennials
- Creative collectives and networks
- Cultural hubs and institutions
Collaboration Requirement:
- Projects must involve at least one UK-based partner and one partner from a participating country.
- Both partners must be legally based in their respective countries throughout the application and delivery period.
Participating Countries Include:
Albania, Argentina, Australia, Bangladesh, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Colombia, China (Mainland), Egypt, Indonesia, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Kosovo, Lebanon, Malaysia, Mexico, Montenegro, New Zealand, Nigeria, North Macedonia, Pakistan, Palestine, Peru, Philippines, Saudi Arabia, Serbia, South Africa, Tanzania, Thailand, Tunisia, Turkey, UAE, Ukraine, Uzbekistan, Venezuela, Vietnam, among others.
Program Benefits & Awards
- Grants between £5,000 and £15,000 per project
- Support for international collaboration projects
- Funding for:
- Co-creation and artistic development
- Residency and exchange programmes
- Workshops, talks, and public engagement
- Research and development activities
- Exhibitions, performances, and showcases
- Festival and biennial participation
- Digital and creative innovation projects
- Capacity building and professional development
The grant is awarded per project (not per partner) and must cover all collaboration costs across both UK and international partners.
Application Fee
None
Application Requirements
- Project proposal outlining collaborative concept
- Details of UK and international partners
- Budget breakdown (covering total partnership costs)
- Artistic CVs or organisational profiles
- Supporting materials relevant to the project
- Eligibility confirmation for participating countries
How to Apply?
Online Application
Key Dates
- Application Deadline: 12 August 2026
- Information Sessions: 30 June & 1 July 2026
- Notification of Results: From October 2026
- Project Delivery Period: December 2026 – December 2027
Location
United Kingdom
Additional Details
- Projects must demonstrate meaningful international collaboration, not parallel activities.
- Funding cannot be used for activity before grant agreements are signed.
- Accessibility support is available for applicants during the application process.
- Priority is given to projects that demonstrate sustainability, long-term partnerships, and equitable cultural exchange.
- Eligible disciplines include both traditional and experimental practices, including Creative Technology, XR, immersive media, and interdisciplinary work.
- Multiple information sessions are available to accommodate global time zones.