Arts
Our global arts team works with the best of British creative talent to develop innovative, high-quality events and collaborations that link thousands of artists and cultural institutions around the world, drawing them into a closer relationship with the UK.
Current activities
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Global Dickens Read-a-thon
On 7 February 2012 the British Council marked the bicentenary of Charles Dickens' birth with a global read-a-thon which achieved worldwide recognition.
Countries from all across the globe read an extract from a different Dickens text, one every hour from China to Pakistan, Albania to Russia. From Dickens' own description of Southwark bridge in 'Our Mutual Friend' read aloud in a Syrian cafe to Tiny Tim wishing 'A Merry Christmas to us all' from a blizzard in Kazakhstan.
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The British Pavilion at the 13th Venice Architecture Biennale
Venice Takeaway will present proposals for British architecture inspired by an ambitious global research project. The aim is to inject new ideas into the UK and create a platform for discussion about what and who makes great architecture.
We are seeking 10 architectural explorers, who are invited to propose topics and specific locations for research. These explorers' discoveries and research from around the world will then contribute to the final Venice Takeaway exhibition.
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The Uncommercial Traveller
Inspired by Dickens's collection of journalistic writings, Arcola Theatre and Punchdrunk Enrichment will lead a unique series of collaborations in cities across Asia and Australia, creating theatrical audio-guided journeys in each location.
International Fashion Showcase
Presenting work from around the world on the theme of ‘Emerging Talent’, embassies and cultural institutes in London will exhibit the work of up-and-coming fashion designers from their country, in parallel with London Fashion Week.
Protein Dance tour 'LOL (lots of love)'
Following a visit by Arab artists and theatre professionals to the British Council’s Edinburgh Showcase, the award-winning company Protein Dance will present 'LOL (lots of love)' in Lebanon, Tunisia, Morocco and Palestine in February 2012.
Highlights
Creative Coalitions in Sudan
We are supporting two UK artists, Ty and Pen Pastwn, to visit Sudan to perform and collaborate with local artists in Khartoum and Port Sudan during February. The festival in Port Sudan will be the first music event there of its kind for over 30 years.
Musicians in Residence: China
Imogen Heap, Jamie Woon, Gareth Bonello and Matthew Bourne have been chosen to take part in a six week residency programme in China, designed to enable innovative British musicians to explore new musical territory and reach new audiences.
William Blake and British Visionary Art
This exhibition at the Pushkin State Museum introduces the work of the outstanding English poet and artist William Blake, focusing on etchings, watercolours and tempera, alongside paintings by other British masters of the 19th and 20th centuries.
