What’s the difference between the British Council and the Arts Council?

The British Council is the UK's international organisation for educational opportunities and cultural relations. The UK also has a system of agencies and government organisations to serve UK based artists within the UK. The Arts Council England, The Scottish Arts Council, The Arts Council of Wales and The Arts Council of Northern Ireland are national funding bodies that are responsible for developing, sustaining and promoting the arts through the distribution of public money from central government.

I am planning to visit Britain. Can you tell me what’s on?

Use our special list of websites to find out what's on in the UK.

Where can I find out about arts festivals?

Check out the British Arts Festival Association site which provides information and a complete calendar, with links to festival websites. The Edinburgh Festivals portal is also a top tip.

I would like to exhibit the work of a British artist in my gallery or art centre in Austria. What funding possibilities does the British Council offer?

You can apply for support through the Grants to Artists Programme. Find out about further details.

I am a UK artist. How can I approach the British Council to promote my work or fund a specific project?

If you are based in the UK, we recommend you speak to the relevant Arts Programme Specialist in our UK based offices about your project.

I am an Austrian artist who would like to exhibit in the UK. Can the British Council support me?

Principally we promote UK art in Austria. However, we can recommend the following websites for you:

• Visiting Arts promotes international art in Britain. Their website has useful tips about funding in the UK.
• The Austrian Cultural Forum promotes Austrian art in Britain.

How can I find out about UK art events in Austria?

Check out our events listing to find out when and where you can see UK art in Austria.

How can I arrange a work experience placement in the UK?

Get all of our tips and links from our page on work experience in the UK.

Where can I find out more about studying art and higher education in the UK?

Check out our education pages and the pages of our UK Arts Department.