Artists and cultural organisations across Aotearoa are being encouraged to forge new international collaborations following the launch of the British Council’s Connections Through Culture Grants 2026 programme.
The initiative aims to strengthen creative ties between New Zealand and the United Kingdom by supporting projects that bring together artists, creative practitioners, cultural organisations and communities from both countries. The programme is designed to foster long-term partnerships, cultural exchange and innovative artistic projects across a wide range of disciplines.
Funding is available for collaborations spanning visual arts, music, theatre, dance, literature, film, architecture, design, fashion and craft. Projects can take place in person, online or through hybrid formats, providing opportunities for artists to connect across borders and share knowledge, skills and creative practice.
The British Council says the grants are intended to deepen cultural relationships while supporting projects that address contemporary issues and encourage intercultural understanding. The programme has become one of the organisation’s flagship international arts initiatives, helping artists develop new work and build lasting global networks.
Aotearoa artists have previously benefited from the programme, with New Zealand creatives collaborating with UK partners on projects ranging from digital storytelling and contemporary performance to Indigenous knowledge exchange and climate-focused artistic works.
The latest funding round expands opportunities for New Zealand’s creative sector at a time when many arts organisations are seeking international partnerships and new avenues for cultural development. Successful projects are expected to promote innovation, diversity and cross-cultural dialogue while strengthening connections between the two countries’ creative communities.
Applications for the 2026 Connections Through Culture Grants are now open, with artists, collectives, festivals and cultural organisations encouraged to develop collaborative proposals with UK-based partners.
#BritishCouncil #ConnectionsThroughCulture #ArtsFunding #CreativeNZ #AotearoaArts #UKNZ #CulturalExchange #Artists #CreativeIndustries #IndigenousArts #MāoriArts #ArtsAndCulture #InternationalCollaboration #NewZealandArts #RadioWaatea
