A Peer-Led UK–China Cultural Network for Emerging Cultural Professionals  

Have you ever studied, undertaken a residency, worked in the UK, or taken part in a cultural exchange programme? Since returning to China, have you wanted to stay connected with peers who share similar international experience, and to exchange ideas about the opportunities and challenges of professional development? Would you like to be part of a network of cultural professionals where you can share experiences, spark new thinking and build lasting connections? 

If so, we warmly invite you to apply for Cultural Companions | 艺术搭子, a new pilot initiative launched by the British Council. The programme will bring together emerging cultural professionals from across China to build a cross-regional, cross-disciplinary community through peer exchange, cultural visits and shared learning. 

We plan to welcome around 12 participants to take part in a six-month programme of online and in-person activities, creating opportunities to connect, learn from one another and develop meaningful professional relationships

About Cultural Companions 

In Chinese, the word dazi (搭子) refers to someone you share experiences with — a companion for exploring, learning and supporting one another along the way.  

Inspired by this idea, Cultural Companions | 艺术搭子 aims to create an open, trusted and inspiring peer network for cultural professionals with experience of the UK.  

The programme is not a training course, funding scheme or output-driven project. Instead, it is a community centred on peer exchange, shared cultural experiences and reflective practice. Over the course of six months, participants will come together through a series of online conversations and in-person gatherings, creating new connections, sharing experiences and insights, and maintaining an ongoing engagement with cultural developments in the UK and beyond. 

Applicants should meet the following criteria: 

  • Be currently living and/or working in China on a long-term basis. 
  • Be working in the arts, cultural, or creative sectors. 
  • Be at an early to mid-career stage of their professional development. 
  • Have previously participated in a UK-related study programme, residency, fellowship, research project, professional exchange, or cultural initiative; 
  • Be open to intercultural exchange, collaboration, and peer learning. 
  • Be able to commit to and actively participate throughout the duration of the programme. 

We Welcome Applications From (including but not limited to) Professionals Working In： 

  • Visual Arts 
  • Museums & Heritage 
  • Performing Arts 
  • Music 
  • Film
  • Literature & Publishing 
  • Architecture, Design & Fashion 
  • Festivals & Cultural Management 
  • Creative Technology 
  • Interdisciplinary Practice
  • Arts Education 
  • Cultural Policy & Research 
  • Other relevant fields 

 

We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive community. We will aim to ensure a balanced representation of participants across gender, geographic location, institutional background, and areas of practice. 

The programme will run from late September 2026 to March 2027. 

Participants will take part in a series of activities throughout the programme, including: 

  • An online launch event (late September 2026)
  • A Cultural Companions Peer Day in Chengdu (provisionally October 2026)
  • A series of monthly online peer exchange sessions
  • A two-day peer learning and networking gathering in Shanghai (provisionally mid-November 2026)
  • Ongoing Knowledge-sharing and exchange opportunities with cultural professionals from the UK and China
  • Closing reflection and programme review session 

All activities will centre on peer learning, cultural observation, knowledge exchange, and relationship-building, creating opportunities for participants to connect, reflect, and grow together through a supportive professional network. 

By joining Cultural Companions | 艺术搭子, you will have the opportunity to: 

  • Build a professional network spanning different cities, disciplines, and cultural sectors across China.
  • Connect and engage in meaningful exchange with peers who share UK-related experiences.
  • Reflect on and discuss the opportunities and challenges encountered in your professional practice.
  • Maintain an ongoing connection with contemporary cultural practice in the UK and international perspectives.
  • Strengthen your confidence in international collaboration and intercultural engagement.
  • Become part of a growing Cultural Companions community and future alumni network.
  • Receive travel and accommodation support for the two in-person programme gatherings during the programme period.
  • Participate in organised visits and cultural activities, with relevant participation costs (including admission fees where applicable) covered by the programme. 

Please note that Cultural Companions | 艺术搭子 is: 

❌ Not a funding programme 
❌ Not a residency programme 
❌ Not a scholarship scheme 
❌ Not a formal training course 
❌ Not focused on project delivery or specific outputs 

Instead, it is a platform dedicated to peer connection, professional reflection, and long-term relationship-building. Through shared experiences, conversations, and mutual support, participants will have the opportunity to learn from one another, broaden their perspectives, and become part of an ongoing cultural community. 

Selected participants will be expected to: 

  • Attend and actively engage in programme activities wherever possible;
  • Contribute to discussions and peer exchange in an open and constructive way;
  • Respect diverse backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences;
  • Help foster a community that is open, inclusive, respectful, trustworthy, and fair;
  • Following the programme, contribute to at least one knowledge-sharing activity (such as a talk, roundtable discussion, written reflection, or similar activity) to help capture learning, increase sector visibility, and support future collaboration opportunities. 

Key Dates

20 July 2026 Open Call launches
25 August 2026 Application deadline 
Early September 2026 Interviews
Mid-September 2026 Announcement of Cultural Companions participants 
Late September Programme launch (online)
March 2027 Programme Completion

How to Apply？ 

The application form will invite you to tell us about: 

  • Your professional background and current area of practice; 
  • Your experience of engaging with the UK;
  • Why you would like to join Cultural Companions | 艺术搭子;
  • What perspectives, experiences, or contributions you would bring to the community;
  • What you hope to gain from participating in the programme;
  • Additional questions can be found in the application form. 

If you have any questions about the programme or the application process, please contact us at Arts@britishcouncil.org.cn.
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