Cultural Skills 2025

About Cultural Skills

In collaboration with leading arts and cultural organisations in the UK, the British Council has launched the Cultural Skills programme aimed at enhancing the capacity of Hong Kong's arts organizations and professionals. This initiative seeks to expose Hong Kong arts practitioners and leaders to international arts sectors through targeted cultural skills training in the UK as well as to develop skills and leadership, build networks and create opportunities.

Following a successful pilot in 2019, the sixth edition of the programme is set to take place in the UK from Monday 17 November to Friday 21 November 2025. This year’s programme will include a comprehensive 5-day study tour, featuring visits to relevant arts organisations, tailor-made workshops, networking opportunities and themed sharing sessions. 

Through the British Council’s network and knowledge of the UK performing arts sector, participants will gain access to specially tailored sessions with leading UK arts professionals and organisations. These will be designed specifically to address subjects directly relevant to the work of the delegates in Hong Kong.

In March 2025, the British Council Hong Kong hosted a Panel Discussion on Sustainability in the Arts, featuring the Sustainability Adviser from Factory International and three experts in Hong Kong. Drawing on insights and feedback from this event, the 2025 edition of the Cultural Skills programme will focus on UN Sustainable Development Goal #13 Climate Action, exploring how sustainability principles can be meaningfully integrated into the arts to improve lives and communities. 

This year's programme will centre on the environmental aspect of culture and sustainability, with a particular focus on the performing arts sector. It aims to connect Hong Kong performing arts institutions and practitioners who are keen to adopt environmentally sustainable practices, and UK counterparts with expertise in this area.  

Participants will engage in knowledge exchange and collaborative learning around key topics such as: 

  • Sustainable production 
  • Sustainable operations 
  • Sustainable theatre and venues 
  • Sustainable workforce development 
  • Sustainable touring models 
  • Sustainability-themed performances 

The programme is designed to guide participants from a broad understanding of sustainability in the arts to more detailed, practical applications. 

Through workshops, site visits and discussions, the programme will encourage the sharing of practices, identification of common challenges and development of strategic networks. These exchanges will lay the groundwork for future cultural collaborations and strengthen ties between the UK and Hong Kong arts communities. 

The fee for each participant is GBP2,000, which includes:  

  • UK domestic travel 
  • All programme activities, meetings, visits and networking opportunities with UK arts institutions, curated by the British Council 
  • Welcome dinner & de-briefing dinner  

Not included: 

  • International airfare between Hong Kong and the UK 
  • Accommodation in the UK 
  • Meals and refreshments (unless explicitly advertised otherwise) 
  • Tickets for performances 
  • Travel insurance 

This programme is designed for individuals with substantial experience in Hong Kong’s performing arts sector — ideally with around 10 years or more of professional involvement. We particularly welcome applicants who have held senior roles. 

Suitable candidates may include: 

  • Producers and managers from performing arts groups 
  • Arts professionals working in performing arts venues or institutions 
  • A strong command of spoken and written English is recommended to fully engage with the programme’s activities and discussions

Application Submission

Applications for the programme are now open and will close on 30 September 2025. If you're interested in applying or have any questions, please contact us at arts_hk@britishcouncil.org.hk. 

All submitted applications will be handled with the strictest confidentiality. 

Please note that programme content—including participating organisations, schedule, timings, and locations—is subject to change at the sole discretion of the British Council. 

Media Partners

Art-mate

Hong Kong Arts Administrators Association

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