British Council has opened applications for Connections Through Culture Grants 2026, offering up to Tk 24.45 lakh to support collaborative cultural projects between Bangladesh and the United Kingdom.
Applications are now open for the British Council’s flagship Connections Through Culture (CTC) Grants 2026 programme, offering funding of up to Tk 24.45 lakh for collaborative cultural projects between Bangladesh and the United Kingdom.
The programme, which supports creative partnerships across 35 participating countries, aims to strengthen international cultural ties through joint projects involving artists, cultural professionals, creative organisations, festivals, biennials and institutions.
Announcing the launch, 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 said the Connections Through Culture Grants programme enables artists and creative practitioners from Bangladesh and the UK to engage directly in collaboration and co-creation, helping to build sustainable partnerships and deepen cultural relations between the two countries.
The launch follows the successful 2025 cycle of the programme, during which 127 grants were awarded across 19 countries. Bangladesh was involved in seven funded projects, reflecting growing interest in international cultural collaboration among Bangladeshi artists and organisations.
Applications for the 2026 programme are open to creative practitioners, artists, cultural professionals, creative hubs, festivals, biennials and arts organisations. To be 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 on 30 June and 1 July 2026. The sessions will provide guidance on application requirements, proposal development and partnership building. Specialised discussions will also be held for applicants working in festivals, biennials, architecture, design, fashion, craft, creative technology, digital arts, immersive technologies and gaming.
Under the programme, grants of up to Tk 24.45 lakh will be available for eligible projects connecting Bangladesh and the United Kingdom. Supported activities include co-created artistic projects, artist residencies, research and development initiatives, workshops, collaborative exhibitions, performances, public engagement programmes and other forms of international cultural exchange.
The British Council has encouraged prospective applicants to review the programme toolkit, sample application form and frequently asked questions before preparing and submitting their proposals.
The deadline for applications is 13 August 2026 at 4:59am Bangladesh time.
Further information on eligibility requirements, webinar registration, application procedures and programme materials is available on the British Council’s website at https://www.britishcouncil.org.bd/en/programmes/arts/connections-through-culture-grants-2026.
