The British Council has launched its flagship Connections Through Culture (CTC) Grants 2026 programme in Pakistan for the first time, aiming to strengthen cultural exchange and foster creative partnerships between Pakistan and the United Kingdom.
Programme Overview
The initiative supports collaborative projects between creative practitioners and cultural organizations from the UK and Pakistan, encouraging cross-cultural dialogue, artistic innovation, and long-term institutional partnerships. The programme merges two legacy British Council funding schemes—Biennials Connect Grants and Architecture, Design and Fashion Biennials and Festivals Grants—into a single platform covering visual arts, music, literature, performance, architecture, design, and film.
Official Statement
James Hampson, Country Director, British Council Pakistan, said: “Connections Through Culture is supporting artists and organisations from the UK and Pakistan to co-create new work and build strong partnerships. We look forward to seeing innovative collaborations that strengthen cultural ties and create lasting impact.”
Eligibility and Funding
Applications are open to artists, cultural professionals, creative hubs, festivals, biennials, and organizations. Projects must involve meaningful collaboration between at least one UK-based partner and one partner from Pakistan or another participating country. Applicants from Pakistan can apply for grants of up to £15,000 to support activities such as artistic co-creation, research and development, residencies, collaborative exhibitions, public engagement initiatives, and knowledge exchange programmes.
Information Sessions
To support applicants, the British Council will organize information sessions led by Arts Managers from across the region. An Asia Pacific session covering Pakistan and other countries will be held on 30 June 2026, while a global session focusing on visual arts, architecture, design, and fashion will take place on 1 July 2026. The deadline for submissions is 12 August 2026. Applicants are encouraged to review the application toolkit and FAQs on the British Council website.
Commitment to Cultural Relations
The British Council stated that the programme reflects its continued commitment to strengthening international cultural relations and creating opportunities for artists and cultural institutions to collaborate across borders.
