Overview
We wish to commission a short piece of research to inform the design of a future alumni cohort programme. This is not a mass-market market research survey, but a focused, evidence-based exploration to help us better define and engage a priority group of early-career cultural alumni in China.
We are particularly interested in emerging cultural professionals aged 22–35 with a demonstrated or aspirational connection to the UK – through education, residencies, co-productions, or other forms of exchange. This cohort could serve as a platform for peer learning, cross-cultural collaboration, and UK-China cultural engagement.
The outputs will shape a pilot cohort model and engagement strategy, including potential funding or partnership options.
Audience
The research will be a resource for British Council to inform the design of a future alumni cohort programme.
Research Questions
- What formats of engagement are most valued (e.g. residencies, mentorship, events)?
- What motivates continued participation in networks or programmes?
- What types of UK-China connections have been most meaningful or impactful?
- Where does this group typically hear about new opportunities (grants, residencies, networks)?
- What kinds of cultural or professional networks are they already part of?
- What kinds of activities or communications keep them engaged?
- How do they prefer to stay connected – online communities, newsletters, in-person events, 1:1 contact?
Outcomes
1. Audience Definition and Segmentation
a. Develop a working definition of “cultural alumni” in the China context, extending beyond academic definitions.
b. Identify key sub-groups (e.g. by profession, location, type of UK engagement).
c. Estimate the number of “cultural alumni” in mainland China, and in key geographic regions
2. Needs, Motivations, and Barriers
a. Explore professional interests, aspirations, and career development needs.
b. Understand barriers to ongoing UK engagement or participation in cultural networks.
c. Identify what motivates participation – e.g. career development, visibility, recognition, funding.
3. Landscape and Ecosystem Mapping
a. Map existing offers, programmes, and gaps for early-career cultural professionals under 35.
b. Identify Chinese institutions (or informal networks) where this audience clusters.
c. Understand which UK-China connections are most meaningful to this group.
4. Feasibility of Future Programme
a. Test assumptions about geography, scale, and sector focus.
b. Estimate realistic cohort size, levels of engagement, and delivery costs.
c. Identify potential models of engagement (residencies, exchanges, mentorship, etc.)
Methodology
The research should be framed with a view to developing a practical, deliverable pilot programme targeting a manageable number of high-potential individuals (e.g. around 10 per year).
A qualitative, exploratory approach is proposed. Suggested methods include:
- Desk research of at least 5–7 relevant initiatives (UK and China-based)
- 6–8 expert interviews (e.g. cultural alumni, curators, cultural leaders, festival organisers)
- Up to 2 focus group-style conversations or online roundtables with early-career professionals
- (Optional, cost permitting) Short online survey or call for expressions of interest
Deliverables
- Slide deck (10–15 slides) summarising key insights and recommendations
- Short report (5–7 pages) outlining findings, methodology, and a proposed pilot model
- List of potential institutional partners and existing relevant programmes
- Estimated budget range for a future pilot programme, with 2–3 costed scenarios
The research will be published in British Council branded templates. The design and branding will be managed separately by following the British Council practice, after the tender provides the report in a Word document.
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Support from the British Council
The British Council China Arts Team in Beijing, Guangzhou, and Shanghai will provide some support in terms of key organisations and background information. This background will not be exhaustive, and we expect those tendering to complete independent desk research too.
Budget
No more than CNY 117,840 (GBP 12,000), tax inclusive
- This is the total budget that includes travel costs, interview expenses and any other out-of-pocket expenses.
- The specialist fee will be paid by two instalments, in January 2026 and April 2026.
- Applicants are expected to present a budget outlining daily rates and other expected costs related to the research in the Annex 3 ‘Pricing approach’.
Submission of Proposal
Those wishing to express an interest in this project shall complete Annex [2] (Supplier Response) including a detailed proposal in English, including methodologies, staffing, working schedule, sample size and sampling method, cost breakdown etc, for the consideration of the British Council. The timeline for the task is listed below:
| Brief issued for receipt of tenders: | 20 August 2025 |
| Deadline for receipt of tenders: | 5pm (GMT+8), 21 September 2025 |
| Confirmation of proposal: | 18 October 2025 |
| Methodology discussion & documents preparation: | 20 October 2025 |
| Research conducted: | October 2025 – January 2026 |
| First draft of report complete: | 15 January 2026 |
| Final submission of deliverables: | 27 February 2026 |
The commissioning British Council team are based in China, and any involvement, consultation and time-difference in the planning and production of this project will need to be factored into the proposal.