The British Council has officially launched the 2026 cycle of its flagship Connections Through Culture (CTC) Grants programme, aimed at supporting creative collaborations, cultural exchanges, and institutional partnerships between the United Kingdom and 35 participating countries, including Bangladesh.

The programme seeks to strengthen international cultural ties by providing seed funding for projects that bring together artists, cultural professionals, creative organisations, festivals, and institutions from different countries.

Speaking about the initiative, Stephen Forbes, Country Director of the British Council in Bangladesh, said cultural exchange has the power to create meaningful and lasting connections between people and communities.

He noted that the Connections Through Culture Grants programme enables artists and creative practitioners from Bangladesh and the United Kingdom to engage directly in collaboration and co-creation, helping to build long-term partnerships between the two countries.

The launch follows the successful 2025 cycle, during which 127 grants were awarded across 19 countries, including seven projects involving Bangladesh.

Applications for the 2026 programme are open to creative practitioners, artists, cultural professionals, creative hubs, festivals, biennials, and arts organisations. Eligible projects must involve a meaningful partnership between at least one UK-based collaborator and one partner legally established in a participating country such as Bangladesh.

To support prospective applicants, the British Council will organise four information webinars covering application requirements and proposal development. The sessions will take place on 30 June and 1 July 2026 and will include specialised discussions for festivals, biennials, architecture, design, fashion, craft, creative technology, digital arts, immersive technologies, and gaming projects.

Under the 2026 programme, eligible projects connecting Bangladesh and the United Kingdom can apply for grants of up to BDT 24.45 lakh. Supported activities include co-created artistic projects, residencies, research and development initiatives, workshops, collaborative exhibitions, performances, public engagement programmes, and other forms of international cultural exchange.

Applicants are encouraged to review the programme toolkit, sample application form, and frequently asked questions before submitting their proposals.

The application deadline is 13 August 2026 at 4:59 am (Bangladesh time).

Further details about the programme, eligibility requirements, webinar registration, and application materials are available on the British Council’s official website: https://www.britishcouncil.org.bd/en/programmes/arts/connections-through-culture-grants-2026