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For grant applicants who are looking to partner with UK artists or arts organisations, we have listed down links to various directories compiled by UK organisations. We have included brief descriptions which were copied from each respective websites to help you find the information that suit your needs.

Various Arts Directories in the UK

  • The Showcase Directory of current UK / British Visual Artists 

    "On Artistsdirectory you can, effortlessly view/browse and become aware of the work of emerging and established UK visual artists in all major 2D & 3D artforms; easily find/view UK visual artists that specialise in a particular medium and/or subject matter of an artform; view their personal websites via direct links; and contact them personally via the directory or via their personal websites to enquire about exhibiting commissioning or purchasing." 
    https://www.artistsdirectory.co.uk/

  • Arts Professional UK

    "Keeping up to date with important issues and vital information can sometimes feel a bit like trying to fill a cup from a waterfall. Here at ArtsProfessional we try to make this task just a little easier for you by creating and curating the most relevant content for those with a professional interest in the arts sector."
    https://www.artsprofessional.co.uk/search/site/directory

Directories by Arts Council England

Directory of Professional Disabled Artists (all forms)

  • Disability Arts International

    "This is a list of professional Deaf and disabled artists, or disabled-led companies, who are actively seeking international partners and opportunities. Each artist or company currently has work ready to tour or for exhibition."
    https://www.disabilityartsinternational.org/artists/

Directory of Performing Arts Companies

  • Edinburgh Showcase

    "A programme of 30 companies selected from nearly 300 applications showcase a snapshot of the diverse work currently being created in the UK, comprised of theatre and dance; including new writing, devised and physical theatre, live art, installation and interactive."
    https://edinburghshowcase.britishcouncil.org/main-programme/

Directories from the Music Sector

  • British Council Music [Festivals]

    "The UK has a thriving music festivals sector catering for all genres of music. Ranging in size, UK music festivals attract thousands of people throughout the year - no matter the weather! This link contains a selection of festivals, which we will continue to update over time."
    https://music.britishcouncil.org/resources/festivals

  • British Council Music [Publications]

    "Here is a list of some significant UK music publications – some are online music publications and others continue to produce print copies depsite the challenges faced by print media. With so many music publications out there, we've just picked a few that we hope you will find useful."
    https://music.britishcouncil.org/resources/publications

  • British Council Music [Education]

    "This section provides a representative directory of UK organisations, institutions, and individuals that engage in various types of educational and collaborative activities in addition to concert performances in the form of learning and participation, creative workshops, masterclasses, professional development and creative collaborations with local musicians. This is a non-exhaustive directory and is subject to change, please verify details with the individual organisation."
    https://music.britishcouncil.org/resources/education-organisations

  • British Council Film and Music Resources

    "Here you'll find resources we've gathered for creative people working in the world of music and film. There's information on funding programmes, commissioners and presenters in the UK working at the intersection of film, music and audio-visual arts. We've also included links to archive film and footage."
    https://music.britishcouncil.org/resources/film-and-music-resources

Directory of Key Organisations Across All Areas of UK Film Sector

Directories from the Visual Arts Sector

  • Artists in the British Council Collection

    "British Council Visual Arts is a dedicated team of specialists committed to promoting the achievements of the UK's best artists abroad. We connect the UK’s visual arts sector with professionals internationally, focusing predominantly on staging and supporting contemporary art projects in areas of the developing world."
    http://visualarts.britishcouncil.org/collection/artists

  • a-n The Artists Information Company

    "a-n is the largest artists’ membership organisation in the UK with over 24,000 members. We support artists and those who work with them in many practical ways, acting on behalf of our membership and the visual arts sector to improve artists’ livelihoods. We have a reputation for providing compelling insights and playing a catalytic role in influencing and informing cultural policy."
    https://www.a-n.co.uk/

Directory from the Literature Sector

  • British Council - Writers Directory

    "This unique, searchable database contains profiles of some of the UK and Commonwealth's most important living writers, as well as writers from these regions with whom we have worked. Included in the profiles are biographies, bibliographies, critical reviews and information about awards."
    https://literature.britishcouncil.org/writers/ 

Directory from the Architecture Sector

  • Paradigm Network

    "The PARADIGM Network is a professional network for construction industry professionals who are passionate about increasing Black and Asian representation within the Built Environment."
    https://www.paradigmnetwork.co.uk/

Directory from the Design Sector

  • London Design Festival’s Design Directory

    "London Design Festival celebrates and promotes London as the design capital of the world. Search and discover Partners of the Festival below, and learn more about them by clicking through to their individual profiles."  https://londondesignfestival.com/design-directory 

Directories from the Fashion Sector

  • British Fashion Council

    "The British Fashion Council network comprises a body of appointed members from the fashion industry and beyond who are instrumental in jointly overseeing, supporting and advising on key issues facing the British designer industry."
    https://www.britishfashioncouncil.co.uk/Directory

  • Not Just a Label

    "'Not Just A Label' (NJAL) is the world's leading designer platform for showcasing and nurturing today's pioneers in contemporary fashion."
    https://www.notjustalabel.com/designers 

  • GreenLivingUK Ethical Fashion Brands

    "Our Ethical Fashion Directory includes brands that are eco-conscious and support their employees. We look for credentials such as: Fairtrade policies, Certified organic, Eco-friendly fabrics/materials, Sustainable production, other Ethical accreditations, Charitable Donations, Socially Responsible practices, Circular design, Bring back schemes, Zero-waste or Less waste practices, are certified B-Corporations, Vegan and Cruelty-free."
    https://greenlivinguk.uk/brand-directory/ 

Directories from the Creative Technology Sector

  • Cryptic UK

    "Cryptic acts as a mentor, producer and promoter for a number of selected artists, giving them space and time to develop their creative and artistic practice. Utilising the wealth of Cryptic’s experience and expertise, this programme provides professional, artistic and practical support to help artists explore and excel."
    https://www.cryptic.org.uk/cryptic-artists/ 

  • Abandon Normal Devices (AND)

    "Abandon Normal Devices (AND) is a nomadic commissioner and born-digital producer unafraid to enter new territories and broker new partnerships."
    https://www.andfestival.org.uk/artists/ 

  • FACT Liverpool

    "FACT is the UK's leading organisation for the support and exhibition of art and film that embraces new technology and explores digital culture. We believe in enriching lives and shaping the future through film, art and creative technology"
    https://www.fact.co.uk/artists

Directories from the Creative Economy Sector

Directories from the Film Sector

Directory from the Crafts Council

Blogposts that feature artists from the Theatre & Dance Sector

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