The British Council’s Role in Building Creative Economies in MENA
The creative industries have long been recognized as a powerful engine for economic growth, cultural diplomacy, and social transformation. Across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), the demand for creative expression and collaboration is at an all-time high, driven by an emerging generation of young people eager to shape their futures and contribute to their societies through art, culture, and innovation. At the British Council, we believe that the arts are a key part of the solution to creating dynamic, sustainable, and inclusive economies that benefit all.
For nearly a century, the British Council has been a catalyst for creative exchange, fostering artistic collaboration between the UK and MENA. By providing young artists with international platforms, professional development opportunities, and access to cutting-edge training, we are helping to shape the next generation of cultural leaders who will drive the region’s creative economies forward. In 2023/2024, we supported 844 creative professionals through capacity-building initiatives, empowering them to transform their careers and make an impact within their communities.
Building Creative Economies Across MENA
The creative economy is one of the fastest-growing sectors globally, and MENA is no exception. From visual arts to music, theatre, and film, young people in the region are increasingly using creativity as a means to address societal challenges, foster economic development, and engage in dialogue with the wider world. The British Council’s arts programs aim to amplify the voices of young artists, providing them with the skills and networks they need to succeed and thrive in the global creative landscape.
Our commitment to supporting creative economies in MENA is evident through initiatives like the UK-Saudi Arabia Season of Culture 2025, which will highlight the innovative work of artists and cultural professionals from both the UK and Saudi Arabia. This event will create new opportunities for collaboration and innovation, and, more importantly, foster a deeper cultural understanding between the two nations. Additionally, we are building 22 research partnerships between the UK and Saudi universities, focusing on cutting-edge fields such as Artificial Intelligence, cybersecurity, and clean energy, all of which feed into the creative economy’s potential.
Opportunities for Young Artists
One of the key pillars of the British Council’s arts programming in MENA is providing young artists with opportunities for professional development and international collaboration. Through our partnerships with cultural organizations, institutions, and educational bodies, we create spaces for artists to build their profiles, connect with international peers, and explore new creative possibilities.
In Tunisia, our EU4Youth-Maghroum’IN project, in collaboration with Spanish Cooperation, is empowering vulnerable young Tunisians through creativity, culture, and sport. This initiative, with a €15.46 million budget, is helping strengthen inclusion and participation for young people facing exclusion. Meanwhile, in Morocco, our Increased Resilience program in Northern Morocco engaged 180 vulnerable young people directly in social impact projects and training initiatives, supporting their personal and professional development.
Creative Diplomacy and Cultural Protection
The British Council also plays a key role in cultural diplomacy, using the arts as a tool for building trust, understanding, and cooperation between countries. Through initiatives like the Cultural Protection Fund, the British Council supports efforts to protect and preserve cultural heritage, while also promoting the transformative power of art and culture to drive social change.
In MENA, where political and social challenges have sometimes overshadowed cultural development, the British Council’s work in cultural diplomacy is crucial. For example, in Lebanon, the Increased Resilience programme has helped build the institutional and technical capacity of 11 civil society organizations (CSOs) in Tripoli, reaching 200 vulnerable youth directly and delivering impactful community development projects.
Looking Ahead As we continue our work in MENA, the British Council remains committed to empowering young artists and cultural professionals, driving creative economies, and using the arts to foster greater understanding and cooperation between cultures. Through our long-standing partnerships and forward-thinking initiatives, we will continue to help MENA’s youth realize their creative potential and contribute to a more inclusive and prosperous region.
The future of the creative economy in MENA is rich with possibility. By supporting the next generation of artists and cultural leaders, we are not only shaping the future of the creative sector but also building a stronger, more connected world for all.
