New Conversations is a programme funded and delivered by the British Council,  Farnham Maltings , the High Commission of Canada in the UK  and Canada Council for the Arts .

Launched in 2018, New Conversations started as a two-year programme designed to encourage collaboration between Canadian and UK artists with an emphasis on physical exchange and artist mobility. The first two rounds invested in 22 partnerships, many of which have developed into ongoing projects, further exchanges and friendships. Round Three of the programme responds to a radically different context. In light of the current restrictions on international travel and the ongoing climate emergency, we want to learn how partnerships can develop and flourish remotely and are interested in seeing how artists and arts organizations respond creatively to this challenge.

New Conversations is offering funding of up to $6,000 CAD / £3,500 GBP for partnerships to explore how they can develop new creative ideas, exchange knowledge and practice without meeting in person.

The fund is open to Canada and UK-based individual artists, collectives, independent companies and organizations of theatre and dance, but we welcome applications from collaborations across art forms. Priority will be given to project proposals led by groups or people who identify as minority ethnic, D/deaf, Mad and or disabled, and LGBTQIA+.

How to apply

One partner (UK or Canada) must complete an application form on behalf of the partnership. Once the application form is complete, please submit it to the New Conversations Application Portal. Application forms are available in the following languages:

• English (guidelines and application form can be downloaded at the bottom of this webpage)
• ASL and BSL (guidelines and application form are available as videos below)
• French and LSQ (guidelines and application form are available on our French page click here )

We are committed to making the programme and application process as inclusive as possible. If you would like to discuss any requirements, please contact either:

• Carrie Hage (Canada), British Council Carrie.Hage@britishcouncil.org
• Gavin Stride (UK), Farnham Maltings Gavin.Stride@farnhammaltings.com

Your completed application form must be uploaded to the New Conversations Application Portal no later than November 27, 2020 at 23:59 GMT or 17:59 EST. All applications submitted after this date will not be considered.