Design, delivery and evaluation of the Online Cultural Leadership Programme for Russia 2021-22

Descriptions

UK-Russia People to People links is a British Council implemented project that aims to encourage greater trust and mutual understanding and to promote cooperation in areas of mutual interest. In the period from July 2021 until March 2022, we will encourage connections between people and organisations in the UK and Russia, in order to lay the foundations for a more positive relationship in the future. Areas of mutual interest, around which project activities have been designed, are as follows: 1) Arts and Culture - we will focus on engaging with and strengthening the relations with established and future cultural leaders in Russia; support institutional links between UK and Russian cultural organisations to showcase and promote the best from the UK contemporary arts among wider Russian audiences; and contribute to the development of equality and inclusion in the Arts sector and demonstrate UK values. 2) Science - we will establish and support links between a new generation of early career researchers in UK and Russia, will build new partnerships between researchers and between research organisations, and position the UK as an expert partner for science and research. 3) Climate change - we will create new and sustainable links between UK and Russia in climate change, bringing together stakeholders and participants from across the science, education and creative communities in both countries to respond to this shared challenge and raise awareness among the broader population, particularly young people. 4) Education - we will engage with the Russia Rectors Union, and 50 of the leading universities in Russia through two senior forums, building on the baseline research and breakthrough British Council-led UK Universities' mission to Russia in November 2019 and will define longer-term ambitions for engagement to 2030. 5) Shared history - we will use the recorded histories of both countries to highlight this important part of shared history, through creating a UK-Russia artistic collaboration to celebrate and interpret the convoys of the past. 6) Gaming - we will connect established professionals and games industry students in both countries and provide opportunities to share the knowledge and expertise that each country has. It will also build links between key industry players of both countries to foster joint collaborations and businesses. The Programme is funded by the UK Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office, with a total budget of 2.5 mill GBP.