The Connections Through Culture grants programme is designed to nurture fresh cultural partnerships between East Asia and the UK. These grants are instrumental in supporting new ideas and collaborations from artists and cultural organisations at any stage of development.

The grants supported in this round of Connections Through Culture programme have focused on two distinct areas: diversity and inclusion and, addressing climate change. The collaborative efforts across borders and artistic disciplines will lead to new thoughts and ideas created to address global challenges.

The grants support new connections, exchanges and collaborations. These grants help build long-term relationships and collaborations between artists, cultural professionals, creative practitioners and art and cultural organisations, hubs, networks, and collectives.

Connections Through Culture grantees 2023

LAB X: International Artist Exchange

UK: Artsadmin 

Thailand: Creative Migration (East) Foundation 

LAB X is an artist and producer residency co-hosted by Artsadmin and Bangkok 1899, prioritising collaboration between artists, producers, and organisations across locality, discipline, mentorship, dialogues, and cross-sector support. LAB X offers cultural and artistic exchange, confronting the challenges to work internationally brought on by politically shifting environments, the ongoing Climate Crisis, and the effects of COVID-19.  

 

LIFE MUSE: Cross-Cultural Collaboration

UK: Centrala CIC 

Thailand: Baan Noorg Collaborative Arts and Culture 

A cross-cultural project focuses on minority representation and integration, involving online and in-person activities, including workshops, seminars, and exhibitions. Centrala and Baan Noorg will collaborate on a project promoting knowledge exchange, short residencies, and collaborative art production between the UK and Thailand. 

Mae Naam: River Her Stories

UK: SPARC (Sound Practice and Research @ City)

Thailand: PGVIM - Princess Galyani Vadhana Institute of Music

The project aims to explore the impact of water pollution on urban communities in Bangkok and London, emphasising the vital waterways that shaped these cities. This project addresses environmental challenges in Bangkok and London through recorded conversations, field recordings, and audio works. Four artists share experiences, raising awareness of interconnectedness and fostering change.

Recycling Music: Music for Horn and Recycled Material

UK: Richard Bissill

Thailand: Komsun Dilokkunanant 

This collaborative project between hornist Komsun Dilokkunanant and composer Richard Bissill, uses recycled materials to create a musical composition highlighting climate change's impact. The performance will be showcased at the Princess Galyani Vadhana International Music Festival 2024 in Bangkok. The project includes an educational component, offering workshops for young horn students from low-income backgrounds. 

Soft Shapeshifters: Interactive Textile Collaboration

UK: Bine Roth 

Thailand: Wuthigrai Siriphon 

‘Soft Shapeshifters’ is a groundbreaking collaboration between artists from Thailand and the UK, exploring the integration of interactive design into traditional textiles. The project involves collaborative residencies, sensory workshops, and exhibitions, fostering cultural enrichment, knowledge sharing, and redefining textile boundaries. The project extends through educational programs, fostering knowledge-sharing and cultural enrichment.

SoundSculpt: Exploring Sonic Diversity

UK: Joel F. Kirk 

Thailand: Piyawat Louilarpprasert  

A cultural exchange blending Manchester and Bangkok's pastoral and industrial cultures through music and art. Performances, discussions, workshops, and a lab collaboration explore shared cultural issues, evolving technology, and human-machine interplay.

Thai Khon x Contemporary MR

UK: Katie Dale-Everett Dance 

Thailand: Sufee Yama 

The project combines traditional Thai Khon dance with Contemporary dance, utilising cutting-edge technologies like Mixed Reality, Motion Capture, Full-body tracking, and AI Machine Learning. Using this modern technology, the project will promote wider participation, cultural exchange, and artistic expression in a non-judgmental environment.

The Unsung Lyric of Ping

UK: Helen Ganya Brown 

Thailand: Som Supaparinya 

An experimental audio-visual short film explores the Ping River's lost tales and histories, reflecting on industrial impacts, climate change, and societal shifts. The experimental approach combines field recordings, folk songs, and visual storytelling to exploring the original landscape and the lives of villagers. The film aims to raise awareness about the river's challenges amid rapid social and environmental changes.

Theatre of Care: Environmentally Responsible Practice

UK: Paul Burgess 

Thailand: BIPAM – Bangkok International Performing Arts Meeting

Tackling the climate crisis in theatre, this project introduces ‘green’ theatre practices in Thailand. Using workshops, forums, and online publications to foster dialogue, and encourage local practitioners to embrace eco-friendly practices without compromising creativity.

Whispering Nature

UK: Michael Fairfax 

Thailand: Wandering Moon, Endless Journey 

Addressing air pollution in Chiang Mai, this project by UK sculptor Michael Fairfax collaborates with Thai artists Monthatip Suksopha (Tip) and Sujittra Prasert (Pan) of Dhepsiri Creative Space and Wandering Moon and Endless Journey. Through dialogue, skill-sharing, and public engagement, it aims to create a production reflecting environmental and social issues.