The UK is recognised across the globe as a leader in skills, expertise and policy within the arts and creative industries. In collaboration with a list of selected leading arts and cultural organisations and institutions in the UK, the British Council has initiated a Cultural Skills programme which supports organisations and individuals to develop skills, build networks and create opportunities.
The British Council Cultural Skills initiatives span various creative disciplines including museums, performing arts, visual arts, film, cultural heritage and festivals. Activities range from practice-based visits, workshops, seminars, master-classes and continued professional development. This latest British Council programme is designed specifically for a Hong Kong performing arts sector managers. The programme will provisionally take place from 13 to 19 January 2020, involving visits to leading performing arts institutions in the UK. The programme will be led by a British Council member of staff from Hong Kong.
Programme and theme
Through the British Council’s contact network and knowledge of the UK performing arts sector, participants will gain access to specially tailored sessions with leading UK performing arts contacts and organisations; these will be designed specifically to address subjects directly relevant to the work of the delegates in Hong Kong.
The UK study visit programme will provide an interactive environment for sharing practice, exploring common challenges and opportunities, and building strategic networks and connections through visits and meetings, from which future cultural relations and collaborations between the UK and Hong Kong will be strengthened.
This January 2020 programme for Hong Kong performing arts managers will be themed around disability arts and inclusion. This theme has been chosen in recognition of a desire in Hong Kong to enhance accessibility to the performing arts for both people with and without disabilities, as artists and also as audience members, so that disability arts will be mainstreamed. Within this overarching theme, the following areas of interest have also been identified:
Accessibility Auditing of Performance Venues and Programmes:
- How can new and existing cultural ‘hardware’ be made more welcoming and inclusive to disabled people? Also, how can accompanying ‘software’ programmes be curated, programmed and marketed to ensure that they are also inclusive?
Use of Technology in the context of Disability Arts:
- How is technology being used in the UK to enable disabled people to both participate in and enjoy the arts?
Programme Fee
- The study visit programme fee for each participant is GBP7,000; including:
- International return travel between Hong Kong and the UK, including all UK airport transfers and internal travel;
- Overnight accommodation in the UK;
- All introductions, meetings, visits and other networking opportunities with UK arts institutions as tailored by the British Council;
Not included:
- Meals and refreshments (unless explicitly advertised otherwise)
Eligibility
Applicants should have spent at least 10 years working in the Hong Kong arts and cultural field, including proven experience in a senior position(s), and preferably with knowledge and experience in the performing arts sector or a closely related field;
Applicants must have an excellent command of spoken and written English.
Selection Criteria
Applications will be received and assessed by the British Council. The key criteria for consideration in the assessment of suitability for this programme will be as follows:
- Applicant’s work experience and qualifications;
- Applicant’s knowledge and understanding of the local performing arts sector;
- Potential for the programme to benefit the applicant’s professional development.
Application Submission
Applicants are required to complete the application form online or download the PDF application form from the download link at the bottom of the page, which must include the contact details of one referee with in-depth knowledge of the applicant’s work performance. The application form should take approximately 40 minutes to complete.
Submission Deadline
Please submit the application form via email to arts@britishcouncil.org.hk by 18:00 on Friday 22 November 2019. The British Council will not be able to accord any extensions beyond this deadline.
Please be assured that all submitted applications will be treated in the strictest confidence. All applicants will be informed of the outcome by Friday 29 November 2019.
If you have any queries, please contact Cindy Chong Cindy.Chong@britishcouncil.org.hk