The grants programme Connections Through Culture 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 climate change. Collaborations across borders and artistic disciplines will lead to new ideas to address these global challenges.

The grants support new connections, exchanges, and collaborations between artists, cultural professionals, creative practitioners and arts and cultural organisations. 

2024 Grant Recipients: Myanmar

Htein Lin: Escape

UK: Ikon Gallery

Myanmar: Htein Lin

Ikon presents a major solo exhibition by multidisciplinary artist Htein Lin, from Myanmar. This exhibition will run from 20 March to 1 June 2025. Titled Escape, the exhibition shows a selection of the artist’s paintings made while he was a political prisoner from 1998 to 2004. The artwork includes paintings made on prison uniforms and found textiles, alongside drawings, sculptures, and videos. 

Creative Assets Mapping: Tangible Assets

UK: Prof. Sandra Dudley

Myanmar: Association for Myanmar Contemporary Arts (AMCA)

This project safeguards Myanmar's artistic and cultural heritage, focusing on communities impacted by displacement and conflict. Mapping cultural assets fosters understanding between ethnic groups, promotes cultural exchange, and supports local artists and craftsmen. Objectives include creating a map of tangible cultural assets and preserving creative forms in endangered zones. 

Myanmar Sound Archive

UK: Tin Htar Swe Lowe

Myanmar: Hein Htet Aung a.k.a Mg Thar Nge (Aye Say Studio)

Myanmar Sound Archives works with sound recordists to capture sounds from all states and regions in Myanmar, preserving the nation’s rich audio heritage. The project records everyday sounds, traditions, and natural environments. Workshops, exhibitions, and podcasts highlight the importance of saving these sounds. The recordings will be a resource for storytellers, researchers, and future generations.

 

Natural Connections

UK: In Place of War

Myanmar: Gitameit Music Institute

Natural Connections is a collaboration between In Place of War and Gitameit Music Institute. British artist Mel Uye-Parker and traditional musicians from Yangon will compose two tracks using soundscapes from climate-impacted areas in Myanmar. The project uses nature and sound to share the communities’ experiences with climate change, fostering global and local activism. 

 

Post-Production Support Programme

UK: Grammar Productions

Myanmar: Akhat Alat Film Initiative

This programme will support film projects from young filmmakers who are preparing for post-production. It aims to build greater collaboration between filmmakers and film professionals from the UK and Myanmar.