Would you like to develop links with arts organisations in China? Would you like to become more familiar with the arts in China? The British Council's fourth China-UK Arts Management Professional Development Programme is now seeking expressions of interest from UK organisations in the fields of design, visual arts, performing arts to host a colleague from China.

 

Up to 20 arts managers from a variety of cultural organisations in design, visual and performing arts across China will visit the UK to spend five weeks in work placements with UK organisations. The placements will run from 17 September to 19 October 2012 and will be preceded by a 5 day workshop in London.

 

As well as offering professional development opportunities for the participants, the programme aims to generate productive, creative relationships and understanding between China and the UK.  Previous programmes have resulted in a number of collaborative projects, with participant and host maintaining strong bonds and developing common interests.  This programme will provide UK hosts participating in the programme with the opportunity to develop further exchanges with their placements and the possibility of a reciprocal visit to China.

 

Linking the Chinese participant with the most appropriate host organisation is at the heart of the programme's success.  Interviews with applicants in China will take place in April and we will then begin the process of matching successful applicants with hosts. If you would like to host a participant please return the attached short form and outline what you would hope to gain from the experience.

 

The Chinese participants could be seeking experience in a number of areas including company and venue management, marketing and audience development, artist development and support, programming and festival management, curatorial practice and exhibition space management, education and outreach, cultural and arts policy development, fund raising and sponsorship.  The programme is deliberately very open so that we can respond to the demands of those applying.

 

The programme for the placements could include job shadowing and skills' development but we are particularly interested in hearing from potential hosts who could offer real task-based opportunities and benefit themselves from the presence of a Chinese arts manager in their organisation.  Although it is hoped that the programme will result in greater cultural exchange, it is not a requirement that you should have such a project in mind.

 

Accommodation and UK travel costs for the participants will be paid by the British Council and they will be responsible for their own personal costs including meals and incidental expenses.  The UK host is not expected to make any financial contribution.  You would be expected, however, to assist your Chinese guest in making appointments with contacts in other organisations in your region, if requested, and provide opportunities for them to meet with a variety of people in your own company.  You would also be expected to liaise with your Chinese guest in advance of their arrival in the UK.

 

This two-way exchange of ideas presents a valuable opportunity for UK organisations to benefit from the experience of having an arts manager from a completely different culture in their midst.

 

The programme is part of UK Now, the largest ever British arts festival in China with over 100 events in 17 cities from April to November 2012.

The programme is managed on behalf of the British Council by NFA International Arts and Culture.  Please complete and return the attached form to china-uk@nfainternationalarts.com by Monday 7 May 2012.