We speak to Norah Campbell, Head of Arts Scotland at the British Council, about a recent delegation of Scottish curators to China, funded in collaboration with ScotGov. The delegation aimed to strengthen cultural ties and explore new opportunities for collaboration between Scotland and China’s vibrant visual arts sectors. Norah shares insights into the delegation's purpose, the significance of international cultural exchange, and the growing interest within Scotland’s arts community in expanding their global reach.
Could you explain the reasons behind organising the delegation? Who participated, where did the delegation travel to, and what was the main purpose?
The delegation was putting a particular focus on showcasing Scotland's well-established visual arts sector. Scotland boasts a diverse and vibrant visual arts community, but connections with China have diminished over the past few years, particularly during the pandemic.
This delegation was an effort to re-establish and strengthen those connections. The timing was also strategic, as the National Galleries of Scotland were presenting a major exhibition in Shanghai, providing a perfect opportunity to foster deeper relationships between Scottish and Chinese arts institutions.
The delegation comprised eight curators from across Scotland, representing a broad geographical spread, including the Highlands and Islands as well as the major cities. The group travelled to Beijing and Shanghai, aiming to forge new connections and strengthen existing ones. The selection of participants was carefully considered to ensure a balance in terms of gender, geographical representation, and the type of organisations involved. This included representatives from university galleries, workshops, residency organisations, and both large and small institutions.
The diversity within the group was intended to offer a rich mix of perspectives and expertise, making the delegation not only a platform for international engagement but also a means of strengthening the network within Scotland itself. The participants bonded well, sharing experiences and supporting each other, which was an added benefit of the delegation.
Was this the first delegation since the pandemic, and had similar delegations been organised before the pandemic?
This was the first visual arts delegation to China since the pandemic. While there have been other types of delegations prior to the pandemic, this was the first one specifically focused on visual arts. Although informal delegations or smaller-scale visits had taken place previously, there had not been a delegation as comprehensive and targeted as this one.
The British Council has a long history of organising delegations to various countries, which are valued as an effective means of building connections and fostering cultural exchange.
Delegations not only enable participants to establish international networks but also encourage collaboration within the group, often leading to joint projects and long-term partnerships.
Why was the delegation organised at this particular time? Were there specific opportunities for the Scottish arts sector in China?
The timing of the delegation was closely tied to the National Galleries of Scotland's exhibition in Shanghai. This event provided a significant opportunity for Scottish arts organisations to engage with their Chinese counterparts. Although the participating organisations were much smaller in scale compared to the National Galleries, the delegation allowed them to explore potential exchanges, such as artist residencies or the sharing of works, building on the momentum generated by the exhibition.
What was particularly striking during the delegation was the high level of interest from the Chinese arts community. Thanks to the strong local connections facilitated by the British Council's team, the events we hosted in Shanghai and Beijing were well-attended, with attendees eager to engage in meaningful conversations with our delegates.
This enthusiasm underscored the potential for further collaboration and the importance of international cultural exchange.
Is it crucial for mid-level arts organisations to have opportunities like delegations to engage internationally?
Absolutely. Delegations play a vital role in fostering connections at multiple levels, particularly for independent and mid-level organisations. These organisations often work closely with their local communities, both in Scotland and abroad, making them well-suited to benefit from international collaborations. The delegation allowed participants to connect with a diverse range of organisations in China, not only in the cities we visited but also beyond.
Collaborating at an independent level can often be more straightforward than organising large-scale national presentations, making these kinds of connections particularly valuable. For example, during the delegation, an artist who had previously exhibited at the Talbot Rice Gallery in Edinburgh had the chance to meet in person with Tessa Giblin who is the Director of Talbot Rice, a curator from the gallery, which was a significant moment for both parties. Such interactions help to strengthen relationships and open doors for future collaborations.
Where can the Scottish arts sector find out about participating in a delegation or upcoming opportunities?
Our recent delegation was carefully curated, given that it was the first time the Scottish visual arts sector was engaging with China in this manner. We selected organisations based on specific criteria, including the type of organisation, its geographical location, and its level of experience. For future delegations, the process may vary. Sometimes we will advertise opportunities, depending on the delegation's purpose and the partners involved.
The success of this delegation has sparked significant interest, with many asking about future opportunities. This is a positive sign, indicating that there is a genuine eagerness within the Scottish arts sector to engage with China and other international partners.
Scottish arts organisations are very outward-looking, and there is a strong desire to participate in international projects. This enthusiasm is reflected in the high level of interest and the ongoing engagement we see from organisations that have previously participated in delegations.
Are Scottish arts organisations keen to take their work internationally, or is there more focus on domestic projects?
Scottish arts organisations are highly motivated to work internationally. In fact, 89% of the regularly funded organisations in Scotland claim to have international engagements, whether through programming international artists, collaborating on projects, or participating in exchanges. This international outlook is intrinsic to the identity of many organisations, particularly those involved in festivals or other cultural events with a global reach.
There is little need to persuade Scottish organisations to engage in international activities; the interest is already there. Whether it’s inbound delegations bringing international visitors to Scotland or outbound delegations exploring opportunities abroad, Scottish arts organisations are eager to make and maintain international connections.
These international connections often lead to long-term partnerships. We’ve seen that once an organisation establishes a relationship through a delegation, they often continue to collaborate with their international counterparts for many years.
For instance, after participating in European cultural exchange programmes, 63% of the organisations involved are still actively working with their international partners, with projects planned well into the future. This sustained engagement highlights the lasting impact that delegations can have, making them a valuable investment in the cultural sector.