Two women sitting at a table, collaborating on a project. The text at the bottom of the image reads: ‘Supporting the Creative Economy’.

We are pleased to launch an open call for an online learning programme for professionals working in the cultural and creative industries with an interest in policy development.

About the programme

Supporting the Creative Economy: a programme for policy makers is a four-week immersive self-taught online learning programme for sector professionals working in the cultural and creative industries. The programme was created by the British Council and delivered in partnership with Creative Industries Alliance of Qazaqstan (CIAQ).

The programme is open to participants from Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Turkmenistan. It will build professionals’ understanding of the creative economy, providing insights, case studies and practical knowledge to inform their policy development work. The programme will give participants new ideas and tools to support the creative and cultural industries in their city/region/country, as well as extend their professional networks within the UK and internationally.

The online programme will run for four weeks from 12 May to 14 June 2025 and will be augmented by three live sessions for participants that will involve peer-networking and cross-border ideation.

Participants who complete the full programme will receive a certificate of completion from the British Council.

Course Structure

  • Two modules with 16 recorded lessons
  • Three live online sessions with regional creative economy experts

Each module will take no longer than two hours to complete, including core content and learning activities.

Module 1: Understanding Cultural and Creative Industries

  • The impact of creative industries and the role of government support
  • Key concepts in defining and valuing creativity
  • The role of intellectual property and local creative ecosystems

Speakers include John Newbigin (Ambassador for Creative Industries, London), Tom Fleming (Creative Consultancy) and Naomi Korn (Intellectual Property Expert).

Module 2: Supporting Creative Industry Growth

  • Investment models and industry-government collaboration
  • The role of creative hubs, branding and innovation
  • Creative economy links to tourism and economic development

Speakers include Laura Callanan (Upstart Co-Lab), Jo Twist (Ukie) and Daniyar Amanaliev (ololo Group, Kyrgyzstan).

Download the programme (PDF, 181 KB).

Timeline

  • 30 April 2025: Deadline for applications
  • 9 May 2025: Successful candidates notified
  • 12 May 2025: Programme and live sessions start
  • 14 June 2025: Programme ends

 Eligibility and how to apply

We welcome applicants from professionals:

  • working in the cultural and creative sectors involved in or interested in policymaking and development
  • specialists and middle-managers employed in government, public institutions or creative organisations.

All the course materials will be presented in English and videos will be subtitled in Russian.

To take part in the programme, please complete the online application form by 30 April 2025. Participation is free.

The following eligibility criteria must be met:

  • The participant is based in one of the following countries: Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan or Turkmenistan.
  • The participant works in the cultural and creative industries and the creative economy.
  • The participant is able to commit to the learning programme from 12 May to 14 June 2025.
  • The participant is over 18 years old.

Assessment

Applications will be assessed by a project team consisting of representatives from the British Council and CIAQ.

The team will assess applications on the applicant’s eligibility and the quality of information provided in the application form.

Due to the volume of applications, we will not be able to provide feedback on unsuccessful applications.

For more information, contact: anel@creata.team.