On 10 December 2009, a new Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was signed between the British Council and Arts Council England.

The MOU defines areas in which Arts Council England and the British Council can work more closely to help artists build links internationally. It establishes a framework within which the two agencies can jointly develop and create programmes that are strategic, coherent, and serve the interests of artists and audiences.

The collaboration recognises the shared territory between the two organisations, offering the benefits of their expertise and relationships to further artistic practice in England, supporting artists and arts organisations to take their work to audiences worldwide, and bringing the best of international practice to audiences across the country.

Martin Davidson, Chief Executive British Council said: 'Today's agreement builds on years of collaboration between Arts Council England and the British Council and provides a framework for our relationship to go from strength to strength.

'By upholding and celebrating domestic and international excellence, this partnership will ensure that the arts continue to have a prominent and powerful role to play in creating greater understanding of the world in the UK and of the UK in the world.'

Liz Forgan, Chair of Arts Council England said: 'Together, Arts Council England and the British Council can create new and exciting opportunities for artists to showcase their work on the international stage.

'Working internationally is hugely important to the health of the arts in this country, allowing artists to exchange ideas and reach new audiences across the world.'

Over the next few months, Arts Council England and the British Council will work together on a number of programmes including Unlimited, Music Showcases, Cultural Leadership, Cultural Diplomacy Group, Points of Culture and the London International Festival Symposium (2012).

The two organisations are also looking at previous artists development programmes, such as Artists Links and the Arts Council's International Fellowship programme, to see what lessons can be learned when creating future schemes.

The two organisations will begin to develop joint protocols around consultation and communication with specialists in both organisations meeting regularly to develop a common understanding of the arts both in England and internationally.

This communications strategy will make sure that artists and those interested in the arts have clear pathways to follow to follow when seeking information and advice.

http://www.artscouncil.org.uk/news/arts-council-england-and-british-council/