The continued success of New Zealand applicants for an international funding grant has created another enticing opportunity for Aotearoa artists to take their mahi overseas.

It's been confirmed that New Zealand has been invited to take part in the British Council's Connections Through Culture (CTC) Grants for the third successive occasion - with applications open now until 23 June.

It means that New Zealanders can apply for grants of up to £5,000 (around NZD$11,300 at time of publication) to support the development of new creative projects leading to collaborative activities that promote the exchange of skills, knowledge, and practice with UK-based organisations. 

Natasha Beckman, Director, British Council, New Zealand and the Pacific enthuses “We are delighted to be launching the CTC Grants for the third year to support artists in New Zealand. This programme empowers artists and organisations to imagine new futures together. Through shared creativity and mutual respect, we’re seeing meaningful partnerships flourish across borders—and the impact is lasting.”

Global spotlight

In all, 90 projects are expected to be approved from Aotearoa, Australia, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bangladesh, Mainland China, Georgia, Indonesia, Kazakhstan, Malaysia, Myanmar, Nepal, Philippines, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Turkey, Ukraine, Uzbekistan, and Vietnam- which would take the funding total for the round over the $1 million mark.

Competing against 18 other countries for the funding pool may seem confronting - but it's already proven that New Zealand projects hold their own in the application pool, with 17 of them given the green light to date.

Producer Helena-Jane Kilkelly speaks glowingly of opportunity after touring her counter-narrative spoken word and poetry performance Faovale Imperium with National Museums Scotland - praising the tautoko and guidance of the British Council NZ and Pacific team "who have been approachable, enthusiastic and extraordinarily communicative throughout the entirety of the project. 

"It’s lovely (and rare) to feel this level of connection to a funding body through its personnel – and it’s an aspect that I think really adds value to a process such as this."

A boost for challenging times

This type of opportunity for support will come at a crucial time for many artists.

With the increasingly austere funding environment in Aotearoa, finding both a way to take your mahi international and for it to be financially supported can't be underestimated.

It's not the just cost of living that's been rising at a worrying pace - it's the cost of creating too. Deciding between investing in your creative concept and putting food on the table is far too real a proposition for some. 

It's also a time where global collaboration is more vital than ever. Given how divisive and politicised the world is becoming, sharing of culture and finding common ground through the arts has never been more urgent.

Beckman states "In an increasingly disconnected world, this funding offers a vital lifeline of connectivity and relates back to our kaupapa of creating connections, understanding and trust between the UK and countries worldwide."

Creativity encouraged

As for what that project entails - that's wide open. 

There's been a wide spread of creative fields covered in the past two years of CTC funding, ranging from architecture to music, fashion to film, creative technology to theatre. Projects may be digital, physical, or hybrid in format, with applicants encouraged to think boldly and collaboratively.

It can be in the shape of digital art residency, an international performance, a creative policy lab, a workshop or a community-led exhibition - with the assessors open to concepts that are designed to spark dialogue, foster mutual understanding, and promote long-term partnerships.

Projects that draw from some of the British Councils guiding themes of diversity, inclusion, and climate change are worth keeping front of mind.

Written in partnership with British Council New Zealand and the Pacific. The Connections Through Culture Grant programme closes 23 June 2025. Click here for more details.