We are very proud and grateful to have worked on the evaluation of #UKAustraliaSeason alongside some of the most committed and culturally ambitious colleagues we have had the pleasure of collaborating with.
The UK/Australia Season 2021–22, led by the British Council and the Australian
Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT), aimed to reframe, refresh and
re-energise the relationship between Australia and the UK through cultural exchange. The recently published independent evaluation report found that these aims were resoundingly achieved.
Under the theme 'Who are we now?', this landmark cultural exchange reflected on the UK and Australia's shared artistic history, took stock of their current creative relationship and imaged what a collaborative future might look like. The innovative intercontinental endeavour took place between 2021 and 2022 and incorporated live and digital events spanning theatre, film, visual arts, dance, design, architecture, music, literature, higher education, training and a public engagement programme.
Explore our in-depth evaluation of the collaboration
From the Evaluation Report:
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The UK/Australia Season 2021–22, led by the British Council and Australia DFAT, fulfilled its main aims and objectives, substantially achieving results and impacts which will have a legacy beyond the initiative itself. There were several notable individual successes, as well as providing benefits for the cultural sector and stakeholders in Australia and the UK. It was a landmark cultural exchange between the two nations, incorporating live and digital events spanning theatre, film, visual arts, dance, design, architecture, music, literature, higher education, training and a public engagement programme.Especially important in its success, was its ‘bilateral’ nature, with Australian work produced in the UK as well as UK work in Australia (the latter being the way that British Council seasons tend to be oriented). As well as providing access to a range of Australian work for UK audiences, it also led to a greater degree of collaboration between the countries, not only between the participants of the project but also at government level and with other cultural and educational arms-length bodies. |
Explore our in-depth evaluation of the collaboration
From the Season Directors:
We are thrilled to share the impact of the #UKAustraliaSeason. It has been such a privilege to be Co-Artistic Director of a critical conversation between two places I call home. Deepest thanks to the 1700 arts professionals and academics who co-created this landmark exchange, our insightful and steadfast Patrons, and the unbelievable Season team across British Council and DFAT. In the face of a global pandemic you all moved and reformed, again and again, finding ways to listen and create from opposite sides of the globe. It was a hopeful and defiant act of human connection. Take a look The Audience Agency full evaluation, case studies, program archive and some snappy infographics, now live."
Helen Salmon, Season Co-Director