Monday 28 January 2019

Bids invited for UK/Japan Season of Culture 2019-2020

British Council Scotland and Creative Scotland are seeking applications from individuals and organisations working in the applied, performing or visual arts in Scotland to develop collaborative projects in Japan. 

A total of £70,000 is available to support proposals that will coincide with the UK in Japan 2019-20 cultural programme which is currently being developed by the British Council and the British Embassy in Japan. 

The funds are intended to enable prospective projects across a variety of forms, such as cultural exchanges, tours of work, taking part in residencies, and attending conferences and festivals. Individual grants are not likely to exceed £10,000 per project.

The long-term aim of the support is to nurture and strengthen sustainable links between creative practitioners in the UK and Japan. Proposals need to show a clear mutual beneficial for all partners, and demonstrate the sharing or exchange of expertise, skills or practice.

British Council Scotland Head of Arts, Norah Campbell, said, “This is an important opportunity for stakeholders in the Scottish arts sector who have links with Japan to develop and strengthen their partnerships. The added focus of the UK in Japan 2019-20 programme presents a significant further benefit, as successful applicants will be part of what is set to be a high-profile showcase event.”

Lorna Duguid, Multi-artform Manager, Creative Scotland, said, “Connections between Japan and Scotland have a long history and the connections for contemporary artists working in both countries have huge potential, that has been increasing in recent years. This is a great opportunity for Scottish artists seeking to develop their work with Japanese partners to access support to help many of the rich ideas and experiences in these collaborations to move forward.”

Applications can be made via the British Council Scotland website. The deadline is midnight on 18 February 2019.

Ends.

Notes to Editor

The British Council Scotland and Creative Scotland partnership is a longstanding agreement between the organisations to develop international relationships in order to ensure Scotland’s creativity is recognised internationally.

The British Council is the UK’s international organisation for cultural relations and educational opportunities. We work with over 100 countries in the fields of arts and culture, English language, education and civil society. Last year we reached over 65 million people directly and 731 million people overall including online, broadcasts and publications. We make a positive contribution to the countries we work with – changing lives by creating opportunities, building connections and engendering trust. Founded in 1934 we are a UK charity governed by Royal Charter and a UK public body. We receive 15 per cent core funding grant from the UK government. britishcouncil.org

Creative Scotland is the public body that supports the arts, screen and creative industries across all parts of Scotland on behalf of everyone who lives, works or visits here.  We enable people and organisations to work in and experience the arts, screen and creative industries in Scotland by helping others to develop great ideas and bring them to life.  We distribute funding provided by the Scottish Government and the National Lottery. For further information about Creative Scotland please visit www.creativescotland.com.  Follow us @creativescots and www.facebook.com/CreativeScotland

For more information contact Jordan Ogg, Communications and External Relations Manager, British Council Scotland, jordan.ogg@britishcouncil.org | 07747895041

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