Architecture, Design and Fashion Biennales and Festivals Grants

Grants of up to £10,000 are available to support:

• UK-based biennales and festivals showcasing work by international (non-UK-based) designers.
• International (non-UK-based) biennales and festivals showcasing work by UK designers.

The grants facilitate exhibitions, displays, installations, or similar presentations of completed design work across architecture, design, fashion, and craft, as well as projects at the intersection of these disciplines.

• Exhibition, installation, production, and travel costs
• Festival presence and engagement activities
• Miscellaneous costs associated with presenting completed design work

Funding does not cover research and development activities.

• Biennale or festival representatives must submit the applications. Grants will be awarded to festival organisations, not individual designers.
• Design practitioners interested in applying should coordinate with the relevant festival. In exceptional cases, practitioners may apply directly if they provide a confirmation letter from the festival stating that the festival can receive the funds.

We particularly welcome projects that:

• Take place in Official Development Assistance (ODA) recipient countries or feature designers from these regions.
• Support emerging designers (within 10 years of practice).
• Involve designers and/or festivals based in countries where the British Council operates.

All projects must foster collaboration between UK-based and international designers, ensuring at least one party (designer or festival) is UK-based.

Not eligible:

• Projects focused on other art forms, such as film, visual art, music, performance, or conference attendance. The British Council has separate open calls for these disciplines.

Please read all information for applicants and supporting documents. Applications are submitted online via this link.

Deadline: 1 June 2025, 23:59 BST

Outcome Notification: End of June 2025

Grant Payment: Within three months of notification (applicants should plan accordingly)

Activity Period: Mid-September 2025 – August 2026

We're hosting three webinars for applicants to learn more about the programme and ask our programming team any questions. You can register for the sessions below.

• 26 March 9.00–9.30AM GMT: Register here
   
• 30 April 9.00–9.30AM BST (British Summer Time): Register here
   
• 19 May 9.00–9.30AM BST: Register here

For questions regarding eligibility, contact Az Chinaliev, Grants Manager: az.chinaliev@britishcouncil.org