To meet the needs of culturally diverse artists, audiences and communities, Arts Council England launched their international policy  in June 2005.  

The policy supports the idea of linking peers between countries and as well as supporting production, performance, publication and exhibition.

The policy was developed in consultation with key agencies including the DCMS and the British Council, as well as a range of artists and arts organisations.

Promoting arts overseas
The DCMS advocates UK's membership of international organisations because this 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 help to create an environment in which the arts can flourish and develop. 

Home Countries
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. 

European and international partners
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 the arts and other creative industries should be at the heart of our society. 

This can happen though the pursuit of artistic excellence, the encouragement of social inclusion and the use of cultural wealth to create economic opportunities.