Australia and the UK preview largest ever cultural exchange between the two nations

Thursday 24 June 2021
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A major new cultural exchange between Australia and the United Kingdom (UK) has been previewed today, celebrating the diverse and innovative artists and cultural sectors of each nation. 

The UK/Australia Season 2021-22 (The Season) is a collaboration between the British Council and the Australian Government’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, under the patronage of Her Majesty the Queen. The Season is a unique artistic programme of more than 200 live and digital events, marking the largest ever cultural exchange between Australia and the UK. 

The programme has been directed by Michael Napthali of the Australian High Commission in the UK and by Helen Salmon of the British Council in Australia. 

The theme of the Season is ‘Who Are We Now?’ and will reflect on the shared history, current relationship and imagine the future of the two nations. 

Australia is one of the UK’s most valuable inbound visitor markets, worth more than £1.2 billion to the economy in 2019, and the Season provides an opportunity to shine a spotlight on the museums, galleries and artists that are amongst the experiences Australians most keenly associate with Britain. The UK’s vibrant cities and its interesting and exciting contemporary culture are also proven* tourism draws for Australians. From Shakespeare to Fleabag, Dickens to Downton, The Beatles to Coldplay, Britain continues to reimagine culture and make it relevant for every generation with a diverse melting pot of creative thinkers and daring dreamers.  

Launching in September 2021, The Season will strengthen and build cultural connections and will include a diverse programme spanning theatre, film, visual arts, dance, design, architecture, music, literature, higher education and a public engagement programme. 

Spanning all artforms, the programme will include multiple cross-arts commissions, and there will be several world, UK and Australian premiers. The programme will be a celebration of the diversity of cultures and languages in both countries. It will feature Australia’s First Nations voices, include cultural contributions from across the UK, as well as celebrate the richly diverse society that has emerged in both the UK and Australia through migration.

'Australia in the UK' will take place in the UK from September 2021 to December 2022, and 'UK in Australia' from September 2021 to March 2022.

Details are available from the new Season website with full programmes for both countries to be announced in August 2021. 

For more information: www.ukaustraliaseason.com
Hashtag: #UKAUSeason

 

*2020 Nations Brand Index.

For more information contact:

Kristen Angus

kristen.angus@visitbritain.org