International Arts Policy

The UK's membership of international organisations offers the chance to:

• promote British arts and culture overseas
• secure national interests in cultural negotiations
• share experiences and policies on the arts with other countries.

By talking to each other about arts issues, governments can contribute to creating an environment in which the arts can flourish and develop. 

We liaise closely with colleagues in the national administrations of Northern Ireland, Wales and Scotland to ensure that we reflect the needs of the whole of the cultural sector.  We also exchange experience with other countries, in particular our principal European partners.

The Council of Europe, UNESCO and the World Bank all support the arts.  Our key message to these international organisations is that whether it be through the pursuit of artistic excellence, the encouragement of social inclusion, or the use of cultural wealth to create economic opportunities, the arts and other creative industries should be at the heart of our society.