The British Council has opened applications for the 2026 edition of its Connections Through Culture grants program, expanding funding opportunities for collaborative projects between creative practitioners in the United Kingdom and the Philippines.
The annual initiative supports cross-cultural partnerships in the arts and creative industries by providing seed funding for projects that bring together artists, cultural organizations and creative professionals from the UK and 35 participating countries.
For the 2026 cycle, the British Council has consolidated its Biennials Connect (Visual Arts) grants and the Architecture, Design and Fashion Biennials and Festivals Grants into the Connections Through Culture program, creating a single funding platform that covers visual arts, music, 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,” British Council Philippines Country Director Lotus Postrado said.
“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.”
Eligible applicants include artists, creative practitioners, cultural professionals, creative hubs, festivals, biennials and organizations. Proposed projects must involve at least one UK-based collaborator and one partner legally established in a participating country.
Projects involving Philippine partners may receive grants of up to £10,000. Eligible activities include artistic co-creation, research and development, residencies, collaborative exhibitions and public programs.
To help prospective applicants, the British Council will hold regional and global information sessions explaining the grant guidelines and application process ahead of the Aug. 12 deadline.
The Connections Through Culture program aims to foster long-term artistic partnerships and strengthen cultural ties between the UK and participating countries through collaborative creative projects.