Building international understanding through the Arts

The Arts is a key sector of activity for the British Council. Our mission is to find new ways of connecting with and understanding each other through the arts. Globally we aim by 2015 to engage over three-quarters of a million artists, cultural leaders and ministers, and well over five million exhibition, festival, event and performance attendees.

Our arts team works with the best of British creative talent to develop innovative, high-quality events and collaborations with artists and cultural institutions in Kazakhstan. In 2013 we will focus on high profile arts events in partnership with corporate sponsors and arts organisations. We will also be working with arts managers on capacity building and professional development opportunities.

Find out more our dynamic and contemporary arts programmes in Kazakhstan.

Behind the Scenes

We offer professional development opportunities for managers who wish to develop their skills, knowledge and networks within the local cultural sector. Behind the Scenes connects arts professionals with state-run venues and festivals to smaller independent companies and arts agencies. We run master classes that are designed to create a generation of new audiences and generate greater income, resulting in the creation of greater opportunities to promote Kazakh arts and culture in a competitive national and international market.

Re-Rite: Be the Orchestra

Have you ever wondered how a digital sound installation works? This is your chance to be part of one!
In September 2013, in partnership with the London Philharmonia Orchestra, we will present to you Re-Rite. This is a groundbreaking digital sound installation, usually presented in non-conventional spaces. It allows the audience to conduct, play instruments and step inside the Philharmonic orchestra, as they play Stravinsky’s The Rite of Spring, celebrating 100 years since its first performance.

The British Council Collection: A museum without walls

The British Council has one of the most significant public collections of contemporary British art in the world. The Collection encourages collaboration between British and International artists and institutions. This year we will work on preparing a visual arts exhibition in Astana featuring works from the collection as well as offering a series of collection management training workshops.

Akram Khan: In the Mind of Igor (iTMOi)

Following from his breathtaking dance performance at the London 2012 Olympic opening ceremony, award winning dancer/choreographer, Akram Khan will present In the Mind of Igor in Kazakhstan in November 2013.
Inspired by the work of prolific composer Igor Stravinsky and created in the 100th year since Stravinsky’s iconic Le Sacre du Printemps (The Rite of Spring) was composed, iTMOi explores the human condition rooted in the concept of a woman dancing herself to death. Featuring an original score by Nitin Sawhney, Jocelyn Pook and Ben Frost, iTMOi is yet another extraordinary artistic collaboration from Khan and a talented artistic team and an international cast of 11 dancers.