Open Call: Capacity-Building Programme (Saudi Arabia and Bahrain)

Deadline: 11 January 2026, 23:59 (KSA time)

Make Tofu Not War, 2018, Goshka Macuga © The Artist. Courtesy of the Artist and Kate McGarry London. Photo © British Council
SOAS team at their exhibition. Photo courtesy of the Royal Commission for AlUla.

The British Council invites UK based cultural organisations, training providers and sector specialists to deliver capacity building programmes across Saudi Arabia and Bahrain. This initiative builds on our long standing presence in the Gulf and contributes to the cultural momentum leading toward 2030.

The capacity building programme supports skills development, sector growth and creative exchange between UK and Gulf partners. All projects must include a capacity building element such as training, mentoring, workshops, labs or exchanges, and a public showcase connected to an existing cultural platform, festival or institutional programme in Saudi Arabia or Bahrain.

The programme aims to strengthen long term collaboration across Visual Arts, Film, Fashion, Music, Theatre, Heritage, New Media and Multidisciplinary Arts. Each proposal must be co led by a UK organisation and a confirmed partner in Saudi Arabia or Bahrain.

To apply, please download and review the FAQs, and apply and complete the application, and upload the required supporting documents.

Applications must be submitted by 11 January 2026, 23:59 (KSA time).

Capacity-Building Programme FAQs
Download

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