Our arts work in Europe

Our arts programme in Europe tackles global issues and promotes diversity and inclusion across the sector, promoting cultural exchange between UK and European artists and organisations. 

Premiere of ‘Nobody Whistles Anymore’ in Ljubljana, May 2023. Visual description: On the darkened stage a crowd of people in colourful costumes is dancing. At the front of the stage: a person in pink dress with a pink crown, a male in drag and a woman with metal helmet, military jacket and fishnet stockings. Flower petals on the floor and some smoke in the background.
Premiere of ‘Nobody Whistles Anymore’ in Ljubljana, May 2023. (c) British Council

About our arts work in Europe

The British Council has been working in Europe since 1937. We support UK and European artists and organisations by promoting cultural exchange and sharing best practices. 

Our Arts programme in Europe tackles global issues and promotes diversity and inclusion across the sector – from our groundbreaking disability arts projects to our work with museums spanning social impact, decolonialisation, human rights, digital transformation and climate emergency. 

We work across the whole EU region, with a focus on France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Poland, Greece, Romania and Ireland.

In 2023

720k+

people participated in our arts activity

Nearly

600k

people attended our events and performances

We engaged

80,000

people in our digital events

We collaborated with

430

artists from the EU and UK

A still from the film work Don't Look at the Finger by artist Hetain Patel. British Council Collection © Hetain Patel. Two performers engaged in stage combat, dressed in West African ceremonial dress.

UK/France Spotlight on Culture 2024

UK/France Spotlight on Culture 2024 showcases ground-breaking collaborative work with artists, creative practitioners, and cultural organisations from both sides of the Channel working together to shape the next chapter of the Franco-British cultural story.

Explore the UK/France programme

Projects

Learn more about our latest arts work in Europe.

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Resources

Explore our latest resources for arts professionals and organisations in the UK and Europe, including research, guides, toolkits and reports.

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