International

More than 49 major European cultural networks have pledged support to Ukraine’s sector in an open letter to policy makers.

Led by the European Theatre Convention, the letter urges national, European, and global stakeholders to make funds and other support available to Ukrainian arts organisations and professionals.

Signatories say they are ready to receive and host artists, stage performances, organise events and advocate for a peaceful solution to ongoing conflict.

Thousands of theatres, music venues, festivals, cinemas and arts organisations across Europe are represented in the letter.

“We stress that the European cultural sector is united and that you can count on us,” it reads.

A memorandum of understanding between Saudi Arabia and the UK will strengthen cultural exchange between the countries.

Culture Secretary Nadine Dorries and her counterpart, Prince Badr bin Abdullah bin Farhan, have agreed to closer collaboration, residency programmes and joint cultural projects under the non-binding deal.

It will also include cooperation to protect Saudi heritage.

Helsinki will host the 10th World Cities Culture Summit, scheduled for October 5 to 7.

The Finnish capital is expected to welcome representatives from more than 40 cities for the first in-person summit since 2019.

The event's full programme is yet to be revealed, but a focus on reimagining cities to create sustainable and creative environments in the wake of the pandemic is likely.

World Cities Culture Forum Chair Justine Simons says the summit will embrace a new spirit of optimism and urgency.

“I am delighted that the wonderful city of Helsinki will be our host at this critical juncture.”

Young musicians will benefit from a new international exchange scheme at the Royal Academy of Music (RAM) when it launches in September.

The Sir Elton John Global Exchange Programme, named for its benefactor, offers exchanges ranging from one week to a year in length at internationally renowned conservatoires.

Twelve schools including Shanghai Conservatory of Music, Renia Sofia School of Music in Madrid, Berlin's Hanns Eisler Academy, Sydney Conservatorium of Music and The Julliard School have confirmed exchanges thus far.

RAM Principal Jonathan Freeman-Attwood said the participating institutions have "long been friends" of the academy.

"What drives this latest programme is the need for music - indeed all the arts - to break down the kinds of boundaries and barriers which actively work against the open spirit of creative enquiry and collaboration between different countries."