The Connections Through Culture grants programme nurtures fresh cultural partnerships between the Asia Pacific region and the UK. These grants support new ideas and collaborations from artists and cultural organisations at any stage of development.

The grants supported in this round of the Connections Through Culture programme focus on two areas: diversity and inclusion and addressing climate change. New ideas to address global challenges will be created by collaborating across borders and artistic disciplines.

The grants support new connections and build long-term relationships and collaborations between artists, cultural professionals, arts and cultural organisations, networks, and collectives. 

2024 Grant Recipients: Sri Lanka

Empowering Handloom Artistry: A Digital Approach to globalize the Heritage Handloom Industry in Sri Lanka

UK (Wales): Cardiff Metropolitan University (Prof. Chaminda Hewage) supported by Dr Tharindu Liyanagunawardena (University of Reading)

Sri Lanka: Dr Sumith Gopura (Department of Textile and Apparel Engineering, University of Moratuwa) supported by Dr Ayesha Wickramasinghe (University of Moratuwa) 

Empowering Handloom Artistry explores how digitalization can modernize practices and expand the industry’s global presence.

Roots and Routes: A Journey Through Memory and Migration

UK (Northern Ireland): Anushiya Sundaralingam (Visual Artist)

Sri Lanka: University of Jaffna (Ahilan Packiyanathan)

Roots and Routes will explore the themes inspired by the Banyan tree -- expansive, wide-reaching roots intertwined with narratives of migration, resilience, cultural loss, and the quest for belonging. The project will engage with local and diaspora communities, artists, and researchers, culminating in a small publication and exhibitions in Sri Lanka and Northern Ireland.

 

Unified Stages: Inclusive Theatre Exchange

UK (England): Michael Jenn (Actor, director, and movement teacher)

Sri Lanka: Sunera Foundation (Chandrika Subasinghe)

In a month-long series of workshops, actor and director Michael Jenn and Sunera Foundation will exchange expertise and collaborate on creating an inclusive space in theatre. This project will involve Sunera’s trainers and differently-abled participants, exploring how physical theatre, movement, mime, and storytelling techniques can help overcome physical and mental challenges.