British Council suspends work in Afghanistan

26 Aug 2021

The UK cultural and outreach agency has suspended all operations in Afghanistan in light of the Taliban takeover.

The British Council's press office would not confirm whether this includes any arts programmes "for safety and security reasons".

The British Council website says it has worked in English, education and art in Afghanistan, and it has a headquarters in the British Embassy building in Kabul.

"We remain deeply concerned not only for our colleagues and those we have worked with over the last twenty years, but for all the people of Afghanistan," the council says.

"We are working very closely with the UK government to do everything we possibly can to ensure that all relocation applications of current and former British Council employees and contractors receive the fullest consideration possible.”

Creatives call for device tax to generate arts funding

01 Jul 2021

A major collection society says the levy could provide up to £300m per year. What would it look like and how would it work?

Brexit Minister offers few answers, defends record on EU touring issues

30 Jun 2021

DCMS had to wait for a green light from Lord Frost to begin bilateral negotiations on touring, few of which have been agreed in the six months post-Brexit.

My Gurus: Challenging expectations

photo of Anne de Charmant
29 Jun 2021

Anne de Charmant reveals the people who have inspired her work, particularly in rethinking audiences’ relationships with contemporary art and the environment.

Europe is still open to artists

Project of a face on a blue wall
25 May 2021

With long experience of working in Europe, Phillip Parr reminds us that, even in a post-Brexit world, there are still plenty of opportunities for artists. You just need to know where to look.

'Major flaws' in ministers' post-Brexit touring claims

19 May 2021

Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden says "some paid touring" is possible in 17 of 27 EU member states as renewed campaigns for a bloc-level deal seek legal advice.

My Gurus: A global way of being

Skinder Hundal
16 Apr 2021

Skinder Hundal reveals the people who have inspired a career that is international, intersectional and truly multicultural.

Artworks by women just 4% of global auction sales

15 Mar 2021

A worldwide study of the secondary art market reveals that "while the average John Smith makes it into auction, the average Jane Smith does not".

Women hire more balanced casts than men, study finds

11 Mar 2021

New reports highlight gender gaps in theatre and music as UNESCO warns the pandemic will be watershed for equality - one way or the other.

Abu Dhabi offers 'golden visas' to UK creatives

22 Feb 2021

Feeling the Brexit blues? Abu Dhabi is courting British creatives with a 10 year work permit, routes to citizenship and heavy investment in arts and culture.

What to do when you’re sick of Zoom

A digital rendition of a theatre in a surrealist style
10 Feb 2021

Heidi Wiley and Hélène Gauthier share how they created a virtual venue - and why they think this provides a model for the future.

Artists protest PRS plans for livestreaming licences

15 Jan 2021

The music industry is up in arms over the licensing body’s plan to impose tariffs of up to 17% on live streaming ticketed performances.

Fury and disbelief over claims UK rejected visa-free touring

13 Jan 2021

Parliament will debate whether visa-free work permits should be renegotiated as the Government blames Brussels for rejecting its "ambitious" proposals.

Keep museums open, European network says

12 Jan 2021

A new international report calls for financial support as the timeline for reopening museums lengthens.

Brexit could cause two-year cultural hiatus

19 Nov 2020

A new study warns the sector faces a unique battle against "the double consequences of Brexit and Covid-19", with communities in need of cultural funding most at risk.

Brexit: Is the Internal Market Bill a 'soft power grab'?

18 Sep 2020

Campaigners warn that devolved nations' cultural policy is at risk amid rumours Creative Europe will be transferred to the Foreign Office.

International fundraising: is it right for you?

Exterior of the New York Metropolitan Opera house
16 Sep 2020

Could fundraising overseas be a profitable enterprise for you, with an achievable return on investment? Nancy Bickson explains what you need to think about before taking the plunge.

Time to challenge the hierarchies

Rampak Genteng
10 Sep 2020

With the creativity of communities finally becoming a policy priority, arts organisations could be handing more control over to their communities. Adam Pushkin explains why – and how – that could work.

'Super active' customers key to keeping up donations, survey suggests

06 Aug 2020

Some UK arts organisations have used the Covid crisis to "dramatically increase" income from donations, but the overall picture remains grim.

When the Games can’t go on

Bustling city centre scene in Shinjuku, Tokyo
22 Apr 2020

The stories behind the Olympic Games and other cultural mega-events are important, says Beatriz Garcia. Now is the time to look beyond their role as catalysts for real estate growth and commercial profit and rethink why we need them.

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