About the Open Call

The International Opportunities Fund supports Wales Arts International’s main priority to ‘nurture Wales’ international artistic, creative and cultural potential in a way that is fair to people and to the planet’. Through in-person activity taking place outside of Wales and the UK, the Fund aims to sustain and enrich artistic practice in Wales to enable the sustainable development of relationships, collaborations and networks; support opportunities to share experiences and skills; and nurture meaningful and mutually beneficial international collaboration, particularly responding to issues of inclusivity, fair collaboration and climate justice. The Fund is open for applications for International collaboration and partnership development, International networks and events, and International presentation of work at any time while it is open. For applications involving participation in an international residency, specific deadlines apply: 05 May 2025, 15 September 2025, and 19 January 2026. Individuals and organisations based in Wales can apply for support for arts focused activity taking place outside of Wales and the United Kingdom, involving at least one international partner. The fund can support activity anywhere across the world unless current FCDO guidance indicates travel is not recommended. Special investment is provided for activity in Canada, Germany, India, Ireland, Japan, France, Basque Country, Brittany, Catalonia, and Flanders. Applicants must be arts organisations or individual creative professionals based in Wales working within the artforms supported by Arts Council of Wales. The total budget available for 2025-26 is £235,000, anticipating approximately 45-50 awards. Up to £7,500 is available for International Collaboration and Partnership Development, International Presentation of Work, and International Networks and Events. Up to £5,000 is available for International Residencies, with potential for up to £7,500 for residencies outside Europe with prior approval. The maximum percentage of total eligible project costs funded is up to 90%. Personal access costs can be applied for in addition. Applications are assessed on artistic track record, quality of practice, professional commitment to international exchange, innovation, relevance of outcomes, financial viability, project plan, and considerations for fair pay, equitable working, environmental impact, and selection process for groups. The commitment and quality of the international partner are also considered. Activity not supported includes projects taking place in Wales or the UK, non-arts-related projects, projects without an international partner and letter of invitation, primarily digital collaborations (unless for access/visa reasons), retrospective funding, 100% funding requests, continuation of existing projects without new elements, procurement of services instead of collaboration, basic 'go see' visits (unless for R&D via Create Fund), tours/touring exhibitions without new networks/collaboration, music showcasing (redirected to PRSF), film/video production and cinema exhibition (unless artists’ moving image work), publishing/production as primary purpose, social development as primary focus, training/study (unless via Create Fund), academic conferences/research, working scholarships/internships, competitive events, and fundraising events. Costs not supported include activity in Wales not associated with international travel, international artist costs (unless ODA countries), capital items, general running costs, application advice fees, competitions, prizes, fundraising activities, launch costs, promotional merchandise, gifts, fireworks, and publication costs (unless core to artistic collaboration). Projects must take place outside the UK, have an international partner, be time-limited, have other funding (at least 10% non-ACW/National Lottery), and allow adequate lead time (minimum 8 working weeks between submission and project start date). Applicants must check visa requirements and UK Government foreign travel advice. The application process involves completing an online form via the Arts Council of Wales portal, including a project summary, detailed project description covering the applicant's practice, international partner details, project activities, outcomes/legacy, and specific information for residencies (selection process, uniqueness, timeliness, previous impact). Supporting documentation includes CVs, a timeline/project plan, a letter from the international partner (invitation/commitment/financial contribution), partner CV/programme links, and a detailed budget.

What is Offered

Financial support for international collaboration, partnership development, networking, events, presentation of work, and artistic residencies, with grants up to £7,500.

Requirements

Applicants must be arts organisations or individual creative professionals based in Wales. The activity must be arts-focused, take place in-person outside of Wales and the United Kingdom, and involve at least one international partner who can provide a letter of invitation/commitment. Projects must be time-limited and have at least 10% of their funding from a non-Arts Council or National Lottery source. Applicants must allow a minimum of 8 working weeks between submission and project start date and check visa requirements and travel advice. Not eligible are projects within Wales or the UK, non-arts related activities, purely digital collaborations (unless for access/visa), self-led/self-organised residencies, or projects focused primarily on training, academic research, or social development.

How to Apply

Applicants must complete the application form online through the Arts Council of Wales online portal. The application includes a project summary, detailed project description, and a supporting documentation checklist. Required documents include CVs, a timeline/project plan, a letter from the international partner (indicating commitment, invitation, or selection, and financial contribution), CV/links for the international partner, and a detailed budget using the provided template. Access support is available prior to submission. Applications for International Residencies have specific deadlines.