British Council Launches Connections Through Culture Grants in Pakistan

The British Council has launched its Connections Through Culture Grants 2026 in Pakistan, creating new funding opportunities for artists, cultural professionals, creative organisations, festivals, hubs, collectives and biennials working across the arts and culture sector.

The programme aims to strengthen creative collaboration between Pakistan and the United Kingdom by supporting joint projects that promote cultural exchange, long-term partnerships and new artistic work.

For Pakistani applicants, the initiative offers grants of up to £15,000 for eligible collaborative projects involving at least one Pakistan-based partner and one UK-based partner.

What Are Connections Through Culture Grants?

Connections Through Culture, also known as CTC, is a British Council arts grants programme that supports international collaboration between the UK and participating countries.

The 2026 edition brings several British Council arts funding streams into a single platform, making it easier for applicants to access support through a single open call.

The programme supports projects in multiple creative fields, including:

Visual arts

Music

Literature

Theatre and performance

Dance

Film

Architecture

Design

Fashion

Crafts

Through the grant, selected applicants can develop and deliver creative projects that encourage cooperation, cultural dialogue and professional exchange between the UK and Pakistan.

Grant Amount and Eligible Activities

Under the Connections Through Culture Grants 2026, applicants can apply for funding between £5,000 and £15,000, depending on the scope and needs of the proposed project.

Eligible activities may include co-created artistic projects, artist residencies, research and development, collaborative exhibitions, festivals, public engagement programmes, workshops and other creative initiatives.

The British Council has stated that the grants are intended to support meaningful partnerships rather than one-off activities. Applicants are expected to demonstrate how their proposed project will create value for both UK and Pakistani partners.

Who Can Apply?

The programme is open to creative practitioners, cultural professionals, artists, organisations, festivals, biennials, creative hubs and collectives.

To qualify, each project must include collaboration between at least one UK-based partner and at least one partner from Pakistan or another eligible participating country.

Applicants must also ensure that their project aligns with the programme’s goals of cross-cultural exchange, artistic collaboration and long-term partnership development.

Application Deadline for Connections Through Culture Grants 2026

Applications for the 2026 cycle are now open. The deadline to apply is August 12, 2026, at 23:59 BST.

The British Council will also hold online information sessions on June 30 and July 1, 2026, allowing prospective applicants to better understand the requirements, eligibility criteria and application process.

Applicants are encouraged to review the official application toolkit and frequently asked questions before submitting their proposals.

British Council Pakistan Highlights UK-Pakistan Creative Partnerships

James Hampson, Country Director of British Council Pakistan, said the programme will help artists and organisations from both countries co-create new work and build strong partnerships.

The launch marks an important development for Pakistan’s creative sector, especially at a time when artists and cultural organisations are seeking more international exposure, funding access and cross-border collaboration.

By connecting Pakistani creatives with UK-based partners, the programme can help support new artistic ideas, professional networks and cultural projects with international reach.

Why This Grant Matters for Pakistan’s Creative Sector

The Connections Through Culture Grants Pakistan initiative provides a valuable opportunity for local artists and cultural organisations to access international funding and expertise.

For Pakistan’s creative economy, such programmes can help strengthen institutional partnerships, support experimental work and provide platforms for emerging and established artists.

The grant may also encourage more visibility for Pakistani creative talent in global cultural spaces, particularly in areas such as visual arts, film, music, performance, design and literature.

How to Apply for the British Council CTC Grants

Interested applicants should visit the official British Council website and review the Connections Through Culture Grants 2026 application guidance.

Before applying, applicants should prepare a clear project proposal, confirm their UK-Pakistan partnership, outline expected outcomes and ensure that the project timeline meets the programme’s delivery requirements.

Applications must be submitted before the deadline of August 12, 2026.

Conclusion

The launch of the British Council’s Connections Through Culture Grants 2026 in Pakistan offers a significant opportunity for artists and cultural organisations to build international partnerships with the UK.

With funding of up to £15,000, the programme is expected to support new creative projects, strengthen cultural exchange and open fresh avenues for collaboration between Pakistan and the United Kingdom.