The British Council is launching the Culture Connects Grants scheme in the Western Balkans to support collaborations between UK creatives and arts and culture institutions in Serbia. The scheme is designed to support artists and arts institutions based in Serbia in establishing and developing creative and artistic partnerships with their UK counterparts, and to encourage new projects and innovation.
Please note: This is not a creative industries opportunity, nor does it support film production.
Successful applicants will receive up to £15,000 to develop creative projects and collaborations, encouraging innovative artistic productions among artists and arts and culture organisations in both Serbia and the United Kingdom.
Aims of the grant call
The scheme aims to:
- encourage collaborations between artists and producers in Serbia and the UK by connecting them to develop exciting projects
- support the showcasing of the most relevant and innovative artistic ideas and voices today, creating safe spaces for experimentation and dialogue between artists and audiences
- foster greater appreciation and awareness of UK arts in Serbia and vice versa, and help develop local audience interest in diverse, multidisciplinary and innovative artistic work
- support creative professionals and organisations in Serbia to work internationally, while helping UK practitioners and organisations develop a greater awareness of artistic practice and opportunities in Serbia.
We are seeking new and innovative projects – including those that demonstrate new artistic forms or content, engage new partners, or explore new ways of reaching audiences.
Applicants may submit proposals for projects that may include (but are not limited to): performances, residencies, exhibitions, festivals, showcases, screening programmes, panel discussions, talks and workshops. Projects may take place face-to-face, online or in hybrid form.
Application criteria
Grants are open to arts and culture organisations in Serbia. An “organisation” is defined as a legally registered entity with a registered bank account in Serbia, and may include collectives, consortia, communities, charities, and both private and public entities.
- The application must include an activity with UK artistic content. This may be part of a programme or event featuring artistic content from Serbia, in any genre.
- Applicants who do not currently have connections with UK artists should indicate in the application form that they require the British Council’s recommendations for UK artists.
- The proposed project or event must take place by 31 March 2026.
- Each applicant may submit one proposal per year only.
- Applicants may request up to £15,000 (including VAT), though the full amount requested may not be awarded.
- Grantees must obtain prior approval from the British Council for the choice of airline and hotels for UK participants.
- Successful applicants must submit a Summary Report after the project, covering budget, audience, press coverage and visuals (a template will be provided during contracting).
- Payments will be made in two instalments via bank transfer: 80% within 30 days of contract signing, and 20% upon submission of the Summary Report.
- The grant is intended as co-funding; applicants are expected to cover 10%–30% of the total budget from other sources (including cash and/or in-kind contributions).
- A budget plan must be provided, showing a full cost breakdown and anticipated income or support, including in-kind contributions.
- Events must take place in an accessible physical space or on a digital platform.
- The British Council must be acknowledged as a project supporter in all communication materials. British Council approval is required for all written and visual materials intended for external communication. Grantees will be expected to market the activity effectively and to provide a comprehensive marketing plan demonstrating how they intend to attract and measure audience size.
Marketing plan requirements
The marketing plan must address the following:
- Social Media Promotion: Active promotion of the collaboration and outputs on social media platforms, tagging the British Council’s official accounts to maximise visibility.
- Content Creation: Where possible, production of high-quality content (e.g., videos, photos, blog posts, articles, interviews) highlighting the collaboration process, behind-the-scenes insights and project impact. If feasible, such content should feature British Council representatives and/or UK artists.
- Media Outreach: Engagement with local and national media to secure coverage. Where relevant and possible, include quotes or interviews with British Council or Embassy representatives.
- Events and Exhibitions: Public events, exhibitions or performances should feature appropriate signage and branding featuring the British Council’s logo and acknowledging the British Council’s support.
- Collaboration Documentation: Documentation of the collaboration process (photos, videos, or – if feasible – project diary), which may later be shared by the British Council on its platforms.
- Impact Measurement and Reporting: Periodic check-ins with the British Council team related to key achievements and impact. This information may be used by the British Council to demonstrate the wider impact of its grant programmes. Grantees must immediately report any concerns or incidents to the British Council; failure to do so may result in termination of the contract.
Ineligible activities
The following are not eligible for this grant scheme:
- invitations to conferences or other non-performance events unless part of a broader programme supported through this grant
- invitations to attend educational activities (e.g., courses, research, PhDs or other degrees)
- support for language learning
Additional notes
- The British Council is not responsible for organising participant invitations, visas or any other administrative matters.
- Organisations must be registered in Serbia and act as legal entities.
- Applications must be submitted in English.
Selection criteria
Priority will be given to applications that meet all eligibility requirements and demonstrate:
- a strong, relevant and innovative artistic proposal, bringing new voices or formats and showing clear benefit to the arts sector in Serbia.
- identified additional funding sources (including in-kind support).
- demonstrable evidence of interest from UK partners.
- if UK partners are not yet engaged, a clear plan for how they will be involved.
- significant audience reach, including digital components (e.g., recordings, broadcasts).
- a clear approach to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) and Safeguarding within the project.
Scoring (100 points total):
- Artistic relevance, innovation and benefit to Serbia’s arts sector – 30
- Strength of UK collaboration – 30
- Audience outreach and impact – 15
- Additional funding and feasibility – 15
- Shared values of EDI and safeguarding approach – 10
Application process
To apply, complete the online form: Culture Connects Grants 2025 Application Form – Fill in form by 23:59 on Tuesday, 23 December 2025.
You may download a preview of the application questions from the Downloads section below.
Applicants will receive an email confirming the receipt of their application within 72 hours of application submission.
The British Council welcomes applicants aged 18 and above who are citizens and residents of Serbia.
We particularly encourage applications from individuals with diverse experiences, nationalities and social/cultural backgrounds, to ensure a balanced cohort. For more information, please consult our Equality Global Policy Statement and Anti-racism Action Plan.
Applications will be assessed by an evaluation panel composed of British Council representatives.
Please note that you may be contacted for an additional interview.
For any enquiries, please contact Anja Beljan at anja.beljan@britishcouncil.org