Visiting Arts is a national agency which works to bring high-quality contemporary arts into the United Kingdom from countries across the world and to extend the dialogue between UK artists and their overseas counterparts.

Visiting Arts' purpose is to strengthen intercultural understanding through the arts. Its activities include (i) providing information and intelligence in order to strengthen intercultural dialogue; (ii) creating opportunities to experience intercultural exploration through mediated performances and exhibitions and by initiating and promoting collaborations; and (iii) expanding the skills and knowledge of existing cultural players and developing new talent to ensure a wide, diverse and sustainable group of players.

Visiting Arts’ work links England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland with countries overseas prioritised by its Board. It does this, amongst other things, by: (i) creating, producing and distributing authoritative directories and help-sheets, targeted briefings and the latest advice through print, web and word of mouth; (ii) organising seminars, conferences and networking events to deepen intercultural understanding; and (iii) establishing and fostering opportunities for ground-breaking artist exchanges, promoting cutting-edge exhibitions and contributing to some of the world’s biggest and most innovative festivals.

From Afghanistan to Zanzibar, Visiting Arts works with the most exciting next generation of artists and cultural players, inviting them to the UK, expanding knowledge and horizons, and championing intercultural working.

Visiting Arts is an independent registered charity which was set up in 1977. It is currently funded by the British Council, the Arts Council England, the Scottish Arts Council, the Arts Council of Wales, the Arts Council of Northern Ireland and the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS).

The Visiting Arts Board is chaired by Gordon Conway. Other Board Members are Cathie Boyd, Ajay Chhabra, Graham Long and Romesh Gunesekera.

Visiting Arts has a wide and growing group of associates with whom it works on one-off contracts. These associates represent some of the most experienced and diverse cultural operators in the UK (and beyond).

Details of past international projects funded by Visiting Arts in Scotland may be found at http://www.visitingarts.org.uk/calendar/scotland.html. In recent years Scottish venues and promoters benefitting from Visiting Arts Project Development Grants have included the New Kirkcudbright International Arts Festival, the Edinburgh International Festival, the Traverse Theatre, The Lighthouse, The Tolbooth, and Dance House.

In addition to other year-round activities, Visiting Arts staff relocate to Edinburgh in August where they run networking events (including an a Producers' Breakfast) as well as produce a website dedicated to the festivals.

Below is a guide to the on-line resources provided by Visiting Arts to help in bringing overseas arts to the UK. The first set of resources (Practical Information) deals with the practical aspects such as documentation and some tips for overseas artists and groups wanting to come to the UK. The second set (Online Resources about International Artists) comprises web pages that have detailed information about international artists that are available to be programmed in the UK. The third set (Events, Projects and Case Studies) provides information about Visiting Arts activities and funded projects that have taken place or that are upcoming in Scotland.

The following are online resources of practical information for those wanting to bring work into the UK from overseas.

Information on Visiting Arts activities and funded projects in Scotland.