Across the Middle East and North Africa, festivals are more than cultural events. They bring people together, spark creativity and create opportunities for artists and communities to connect, collaborate and share ideas. Through long-term partnerships across the UK and MENA, the British Council supports festivals that strengthen artistic exchange, build skills and create new opportunities for artists and cultural professionals. Alongside performances, these festivals offer workshops, masterclasses and networking opportunities that help artists grow their practice and build lasting international connections.
Watch our short film to discover how our festival partnerships are empowering artists, connecting cultures and contributing to stronger creative sectors across the region.
Beyond the stage
Our festival partnerships go beyond supporting performances. They help build stronger cultural ecosystems by encouraging collaboration, knowledge exchange and professional development.
From music and theatre to film, dance and visual arts, we work with partners to create inclusive spaces where creativity flourishes, diverse voices are celebrated and meaningful international connections are made. Explore our work Discover more about our approach to festival partnerships, cultural exchange and the impact of our work in the region in our report, Festival Making in the Arab Region: Momentum – In Between.
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