UK/Australia Season FAQ

UK/Australia Season (the Season) is a joint initiative by the British Council and the Australian Government’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) to strengthen and build cultural connections.

Taking place in both the UK and Australia, the Season will explore our relationship across the arts, creative industries, research, and higher education. 

Through a series of events, collectively we hope to gain a deeper understanding about where we have come from, who we are now, and where we can go together. It is also a chance to deepen relationships in business, higher education and government at a time of incredible potential and change.

The Season will take place in the UK from August to November 2021, and in Australia from September 2021 to March 2022.

Applications for the 'UK in Australia' stream will be able to apply to be part of the Season from 7 July to 17 August 2020. 

Applications for the 'Australia in the UK' stream will be able to apply to be part of the Season from 29 July to 5 October 2020. Individuals and organisations will also have the opportunity to apply through the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade's Australian Cultural Diplomacy Grants Program (ACDGP) for support for projects. 

Other projects may be submitted for consideration throughout 2020 but will not be eligible for UK/Australia Season grants

In this moment of rapid change for both nations, and in light of the unprecedented challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic, the Season provides a platform for the people of our nations to connect, to develop our strong relationship, support one another, and exchange cultural experiences.

Through the theme ‘Who are we now?’, artists, universities and civil society leaders from both Australia and the UK will examine who we are today as two diverse and outward-looking nations. This cultural engagement and exchange will lead to deeper understanding about where we have come from, who we are now and where we can go together.

Successful applicants will be kept up to date with the Season’s Covid-19 response, working within the relevant Government guidelines. Companies are responsible for their own Covid-19 planning and risk management.

We accept applications in accessible formats.  Contact our team to discuss your specific requirements, email enquiries@britishcouncil.org.au

To find downloadable application forms check the relevant page and scroll to 'downloads' at the bottom of the page: 

• 'UK in Australia' applications (Applications closed 17 August)
• 'Australia in the UK' applications (Applications close 5 October)

The Season will involve representatives of the UK and Australian arts, creative industries, higher education sectors as well as engagement with the wider business sector, government and civil society. 

This UK application round is for the arts and creative industries only. Arts departments in higher education are eligible. 

We are looking for applications across all art forms and are not limited to touring works. For example, projects can include residencies, a festival focus, symposia, workshops, site specific work, digital work, exhibitions and broadcast. 

Organisations applying for inclusion in the Season will have the opportunity to also apply for small grant support called the ‘UK/Australia Season Grant’. The grant support is generously donated by members of our board of patrons. 

Applicants can submit multiple Season proposals but only apply for funding for one project.

We are currently inviting arts organisations and individuals based to submit project proposals for inclusion in the UK/Australia Season 2021-22. Proposals should clearly align with the Season theme, the Season dates and locations. 

Projects should have established resource in place.

Organisations applying for inclusion in the Season will have the opportunity to also apply for small grant support called the ‘UK/Australia Season Grant’. The grant support is generously donated by members of our Board of Patrons. 

Yes, individuals can apply to participate in the Season. Individuals must have established partners and funding in place. 

Please note: only organisations will have the opportunity to apply for small grant support called the ‘UK/Australia Season Grant’. Individual artists are not eligible to apply for the ‘UK/Australia Season Grants’.

If you are an Australian venue or festival applying to bring UK work to Australia, please apply to the UK stream as this is where the work originates.

Please note: UK venues and festivals can not apply on behalf of touring Australian companies. These funds must be distributed in Australia and the Australian-based company should submit the application.  

UK applications will be assessed by British Council specialist artform staff, who will select successful participants based on the quality of responses to the application questions.

External advisors will recommend grant recipients from the shortlisted projects. A list of our Assessment panel is available on our website. Funding decisions will be made by British Council staff. All decisions of the panel will be final and binding.

More information on the Australian assessment process will be available soon.

The British Council programmes Festivals and Seasons around the world, creating highly visible cultural platforms for UK artists and educators.  Seasons are core to our work, creating friendly knowledge and understanding between the people of the UK and other countries.

Seasons make a positive contribution to the UK and the countries we work with – changing lives by creating opportunities, changing perceptions, building connections and trust.

British Council Seasons are developed with a wide range of cultural and funding partners and co-ordinated with government stakeholders overseas and in the UK.

More about our work in Festivals and Seasons.

The UK/Australia Season is an exciting opportunity to strengthen and build new cultural connections, and deepen relationships in business, higher education and government at a time of incredible potential under a new Free Trade Agreement.  The Season will celebrate and amplify appreciation for the diversity and inclusion of our creative industries, First Nations voices, science, innovation and education sectors as well as contribute to deeper business engagement and talent mobility between Australia and the UK. This will be the first time the Australian Government and the British Council have collaborated on a reciprocal Season.

Notifications for UK-based applications will be advised within 9 weeks of the closing date.

Notifications for Australian-based applications will be advised within 8 weeks of the closing date.

A combination of Australian Government and British Council support, private philanthropy and sponsorship.

Yes, organisations which are partnering should identify a lead partner who will apply on behalf of the project.