The Connections through Culture website encourages networks to be created, offers tailored advice and provides small grants for project development, so that cultural organisations from the UK and China can find out more about working internationally.

Just under £1 million over three years has been provided for the Connections initiative by DCMS, the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, British Council and the Scottish Executive.

Culture plays an important role in building and sustaining international relationships. Our cultural organisations are active all over the world, working with organisations overseas to build mutually beneficial, lasting partnerships. As Government leaders of the cultural sector, we want to ensure that the sector grows, develops and remains world class.

The Connections initiative aims to position Britain as a uniquely valued cultural partner. International work is important for the cultural sector as it helps our organisations to remain world-class. By working abroad in an open, collaborative and mutual way, the cultural sector also presents a positive image of the UK.

We are keen to maximise the impact of our cultural sector’s international work, both in cultural product and public diplomacy. Our international strategy shows how DCMS goals and activities – including the Connections initiative – can contribute to the Government's broader international priorities. 

As part of this work, we are currently working with a range of stakeholders to assess what more can be done to assist the sector internationally. We hope to have concrete plans in place by early 2007, and will likely focus on three key areas: leadership, information and structured interaction.