UK arts councils distribute £320k for cultural exchange projects

Dozens of UK art projects have been chosen to partner with national and international organisations in a second round of the Four Nations International Fund.

A total of 39 new projects will receive up to £7,500 from the fund’s budget of £320,000, including £28,000 allocated for access costs. 

Backed by Arts Council England, Arts Council Northern Ireland, Arts Council Wales / Wales Arts International and Creative Scotland, the fund is designed to support innovative models of international cultural exchange.

It is open to people working in the arts and creative industries in the UK who wish to collaborate with their counterparts elsewhere in the world.

This round of the fund brings together 60 partners from across the four UK nations and 50 international partners across 25 different countries.

Creative Scotland manages the fund’s application process of the UK's arts councils and agencies. On the partnership’s behalf, Dana MacLeod, Executive Director of Arts, Communities and Inclusion at Creative Scotland, said: “This second round of the Four Nations International Fund has made possible some new and exciting initiatives for artists in the UK and around the world to connect, exchange and collaborate. 

“The 39 projects demonstrate a strong diversity of cultures, practice, and perspectives, highlighting the positive effect arts and culture can have on communities globally.

"Coming together as agencies and funders to share resources and knowledge enables a much broader reach and impact for our artists and audiences.  We can also tackle important issues and challenges facing artists and practitioners around the world.”