The British Council Hong Kong successfully launched the UK–Hong Kong Higher Education (HE) Arts and Culture Network with a two-day workshop in London on 26–27 February 2026. The network brings together leading higher education and cultural institutions from both regions to strengthen collaboration, deepen cultural exchange, and identify new opportunities for joint development in the arts and creative sectors.
The inaugural workshop convened 26 delegates representing universities and arts and cultural institutions from Hong Kong and the UK. Participants engaged in a series of thematic discussions exploring interdisciplinary collaboration, innovation and technology, intellectual property development, and sustainable partnership models. Facilitated discussions enabled delegates to share institutional priorities, exchange expertise, and identify areas for long-term cooperation.
As part of the programme, delegates also visited several of the UK’s prominent cultural and academic institutions including Loughborough University London; the CoSTAR foresight lab; Studio Wayne McGregor; V&A East Storehouse and Goldsmiths, University of London. These visits offered delegates a first-hand understanding of the UK’s vibrant creative ecosystem and highlighted opportunities for future collaboration in research, education, and practice.
The workshop marks the beginning of the UK–HK HE Arts and Culture Network, a platform designed to support meaningful, innovative, and sustainable partnerships between the two regions. The Network also aims to empower emerging talent by fostering intergenerational dialogue and mentorship that will shape the future of arts and culture.
Susannah Morley, Director at the British Council Hong Kong, said: “The launch of the UK–HK HE Arts and Culture Network marks an important step in strengthening collaboration between our two vibrant creative sectors. Anchored by the British Council’s longstanding role in connecting the UK and Hong Kong, the Network represents a significant step forward in fostering innovation, cultivating long-term partnerships, and empowering emerging talent across both regions. I am delighted to see such strong shared commitment to shaping a sustainable and interconnected future for arts and culture.”
Among the delegates attending the two-day workshop, Professor Derek Collins, Associate Vice-President (Cultural and External Affairs) at The University of Hong Kong and co-chair of the Network, noted "We're tremendously excited about this network and its potential to develop solutions to real problems in the creative industries. We have to bring finance closer and think about value differently. We have to really examine the true causes of the problems cultural institutions are facing. I think what we are trying to do is pioneering."
Professor David Oswell, Interim Vice-chancellor of Goldsmiths, University of London and co-chair of the Network, added “It was an inspiring two days of deep discussion and site visits to cultural and educational institutions, bringing together leaders from the university and cultural sectors from across the UK and Hong Kong. Moreover, we’ve got some tangible projects to build on and to develop the consortium over the coming months.”
As part of its ongoing commitment to strengthening connections and facilitating collaboration between Hong Kong and the UK, the British Council will continue to work closely with Network members to develop follow up activities, joint initiatives, and future exchanges building on insights generated during the workshop.