UK and Australia launch major cultural exchange

This article originally appeared in Gramophone.co.uk.

Covid travel restrictions may make the UK and Australia feel further apart than ever, but a major new cultural exchange between the two nations aims to help bridge the gap over the coming year or so.

Just days after the two countries signed a Free Trade Agreement, the spirit of partnership has been followed by the announcement of 'The UK/Australia Season', described as 'a unique exchange programme between artists from each country designed to strengthen and build cultural connections between the UK and Australia'.

The season’s theme is 'Who Are We Now?', and events and projects will explore the shared history, current relationship and possible future of the two countries. Starting in September and running until March 2022 in Australia and December 2022 in the UK, it will feature more than 200 live and digital events across theatre, film, visual arts, dance, design, creative technology, architecture, music, literature, museums, broadcast and talks. Partner organisations in the UK include the BFI, Royal Opera House, British Museum, Southbank Centre, Design Museum, The Box (Plymouth), Ikon (Birmingham), Belfast International Arts Festival, Wales Millennium Centre, and Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh.

UK music events include: an evening of cabaret as part of the Edinburgh International Festival, created by Barrie Kosky, Australian Artistic Director of Berlin’s Komische Oper, and singer/actor Katharine Mehrling; a return visit to London by the Australian Chamber Orchestra in October 2022; and the first visit by the Australian World Orchestra, comprising Australians musicians who now live throughout the world, conducted by Zubin Mehta. From other performing art genres, Queensland Ballet’s Young Artist Programme will be visiting the Royal Opera House, while Australian circus company Circa will be bringing a giant bouncing castle/circus tent designed by London-based architects AL_A to various UK locations. Meanwhile, the Chineke Orchestra! is among the UK artists and groups set to present work in Australia.  

The programme is Directed by Michael Napthali of the Australian High Commission, London and by Helen Salmon, Director of British Council in Australia, and is a joint initiative by the British Council and the Australian Government’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, with Her Majesty the Queen as patron. For full details, visit: ukaustraliaseason.com