Jonathan Kennedy

Soon, the #VeniceBiennale opens — and with it, an opportunity to showcase the best of UK creativity on a global stage. We’ll be welcoming 60 Fellows to our Venice Fellowships Programme — a vital part of our presence in Venice. As ambassadors at the #BritishPavilion, our Fellows will engage visitors from around the world with our commission, Predicting History: Testing Translation, by renowned British artist Lubaina Himid. But the impact goes far beyond the exhibition. Through collaboration, research and hands-on experience, Fellows will build the creative confidence that fuels long-term careers. In turn, they contribute to a stronger, more connected UK creative economy — one that thrives on fresh thinking, international partnerships and cultural exchange. Delivered with 35 Higher Education partners and leading creative enterprises, the programme is a reminder that when we invest in people, we unlock growth — for individuals, for communities, and for the UK as a global creative leader.

UK City of Culture recognises the enormous contributions made by communities all over the UK These nine places showcased the local culture and heritage that makes them unique Congratulations to Blackpool, Inverness-Highland, Middlesbrough, Milton Keynes, Portsmouth, Sheffield, Swindon, Ipswich and Wrexham gov.uk/government/new…

This….. a very happy listen @bbcworldservice documentary on India’s space programme and some of the women scientists and innovators podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the…

The adventure begins this autumn 🐅 Adapted by Anupama Chandrasekhar and directed by Indhu Rubasingham, with Olivier-award winning Hiran Abeysekera as Mowgli, #TheJungleBook roars to life on the Olivier stage from 13 Nov 2026. Find out more here: nationaltheatre.org.uk/productions/th…

Jessie Buckley has won her first Oscar for her performance in Hamnet as William Shakespeare's wife, who is overwhelmed with grief after the death of their 11-year-old son. The Irish actress paid an emotional tribute to her eight-month-old daughter, and thanked her parents "for teaching us to dream, and to never be defined by expectation, but to carve from your own passion". 🎧 Hear Jessie Buckley talking previously about her role on the Arts Hour: bbc.in/4rCTL58

Britain’s first Black female publisher on reshaping the literary landscape, why editing is like midwifery and her roll-call of authors, from Roy Heath to James Ellroy, over Lunch with the FT: ft.trib.al/pyeZWKt

German-born British musician Max Richter brings his signature fusion of classical technique and electronic textures to #TheGrandTheatre for his first-ever performance in India.

🎭 Behind the scenes @rbo_org @IanMurrayMP toured ballet studios, backstage areas and the props workshop to see the creativity and craftsmanship that power the UK’s world-leading performing arts sector #CreativeIndustries #ArtsAndCulture #RoyalBalletAndOpera

The latest travel advice information for British nationals in the Middle East: Gov.uk/middle-east-up… This includes countries with updated travel advice and links to Register Your Presence.

21 countries have updated travel advice this week. These are: • Afghanistan • Armenia • Azerbaijan • Bahrain • Egypt • Iran • Iraq • Israel • Jordan • Kuwait • Lebanon • Oman • Pakistan • Palestine • Qatar • Saudi Arabia • Syria • Turkey • Turkmenistan • United Arab Emirates • Yemen If you or someone you know is planning on travelling to or living in one of these countries, search 'foreign travel advice updates' on GOV.UK.

✨ Meet the translators shortlisted for PEN Presents: Brazil We've partnered with English PEN as part of #UKBRSeason, aiming to help diversify the translated literature landscape. The shortlist features 13 titles from 15 translators: 🔗 englishpen.org/translation/pe… @LitBritish

The Call for European Cooperation Projects 2026 is open! Are you a cultural or creative organisation? No matter the size, if you are to collaborate across borders and boost artistic creation, innovation & circulation, apply now! 🔗 link.europa.eu/yQKd7g Deadline: 5 May

Women shape Europe’s cultural scene 🎭 Under Creative Europe – Culture strand, 56% of artists and cultural professionals working across borders are women. We’re proud to support projects empowering women and girls, from feminist public art to the rise of female rappers.

️️🌈 Five Films for Freedom returns in two weeks with a powerful new collection of short films telling the stories of LGBTQIA+ communities around the world, in partnership with @BFIFlare #BFIFlare. 🗓️ 18–29 March 🔗 hhttps://bit.ly/4s2YP3p #FiveFilmsForFreedom

📣 Introducing The British Pavilion at the 61st International Art Exhibition at La Biennale di Venezia 📣 We're excited to announce the title of this year's exhibition by artist Lubaina Himid, Predicting History: Testing Translation. [1/3]

There’s updated travel advice for the Middle East. If you know someone living in or travelling to the Middle East, please share this.

🚀 NEW REPORT 🚀 🔮 Decisions the Government is about to take will define the next decade of the UK's largest cultural organisation. If the arts are to remain central to the BBC’s future, we need to make the case – together, and now. campaignforthearts.org/reports/a-stag…

Sensational! ⭐️ Award-winning actress and writer Catherine Tate ("The Catherine Tate Show," "Doctor Who") will take over the role of Mary Todd Lincoln in OH, MARY! beginning 27 April for a limited 12-week engagement. #CatherineTate #OhMaryUK

My recent piece for the Ideal Spaces Foundation in Germany on urban design policy and inclusive placemaking through international partnership. @idealspacesfoundation/note/p-187858801?r=2qx9p6&utm_medium=ios&utm_source=notes-share-action" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">substack.com/@idealspacesfo…

India book festivals hotly debated right now. My experience at free entry @ndwbf_nbt @KeralaLitFest @BharatLitFest_ @kslitfest etc is PACKED events + readers skewing younger buying books. Also browsing & listening. Feels to be evolving to more reading for pleasure @writesaket