We are looking for policymakers, representatives of cultural institutions, and professionals in the creative industries who are eager to strengthen the development of their regions through the tools of the creative economy.
“Supporting the Creative Economy” is an online learning programme developed by the British Council in collaboration with Cultural Associates Oxford. In 2025, the programme is implemented in partnership with the Swiss-Ukrainian project Ukraine’s Cohesion and Regional Development, UCORD delivered with the support of Switzerland by NIRAS Sweden AB across six pilot regions of Ukraine.
In Ukraine, the programme has been running since 2022 and already has 287 alumni who apply the knowledge gained to develop regional strategies, cultural policies, and local initiatives.
“For governments that think strategically, an economy based on ideas and intellectual property will become increasingly important. If oil was the global driver in the 20th century, creativity will be the driver in the 21st century,” — John Newbigin, Ambassador for Creative Industries to the Mayor of London.
Course Structure
- 6 modules × 3–4 lessons on the British Council learning platform
- 18–24 hours of video lectures delivered by UK experts
- Learning materials, exercises, and resources for independent study
- 3 facilitated online sessions in Ukrainian (after every two modules)
- Duration: approximately 3 months, at your own pace
- Access starts on 19 January 2026
Upon completion of the programme, you will receive a certificate.
What the Modules Cover
The programme consists of six comprehensive modules that gradually introduce participants to the key aspects of the creative economy — from understanding the sector to policies, entrepreneurship, digital innovation, and regional development. Each module includes 3–4 lessons with video lectures, practical exercises, and supplementary materials.
- Introduction to Cultural and Creative Industries
- Concepts and Features of Cultural and Creative Industries (CCI)
- The Importance of CCI for Society and the Economy
- Policy Fundamentals
- Data, Monitoring, and Advocacy
2. Social and Economic Innovation
- The Value of CCI for Social and Economic Development
- Local Development and Creative Approaches
- Social Impact Investment
- The Role of Creative Education
3. Entrepreneurship in the Creative Economy
- Funding and Business Models
- Intellectual Property Rights
- Enterprise Support Tools
4. Networks, Hubs, and Ecosystems
- The Role of Creative Hubs
- Management and Funding of Hubs
- Measuring Impact and Effectiveness
5. Digital Innovation in Cultural and Creative Industries (CCI)
- Fundamentals of Digital Innovation
- Examples of Digital Solutions in CCI
- How the Sector Supports Innovation
6. Creative Placemaking, Urban Development, and Tourism
- Principles of Creative Placemaking
- Creative Cities: Collaboration with CCI
- The Role of CCI in Tourism Development
Facilitation and Experts
The course is coordinated and facilitated by the PPV Economic Development Agency, which operates in the fields of creative economy, innovation, sustainable development, and cross-sector collaboration.
The expert for the facilitated sessions is Volodymyr Vorobey.
- Over 15 years in strategic consulting and sector development
- Experience as an expert for the Ukrainian Cultural Foundation and consultant for the House of Europe: Creative Business Boost programme (2021–2025)
- Mentor and jury member for Creative Enterprise Ukraine pitch sessions
- Facilitated dozens of partnerships and projects in the field of CCI
During the sessions, Volodymyr will help connect the course content with the real needs of regional development.
Who Is This Programme For?
We Invite Applications From:
- Policymakers in the fields of culture, economy, and regional development
- Representatives of regional state administrations, culture and economic departments, and regional development agencies
- Managers and professionals in cultural and creative industries
- Specialists involved in designing and implementing strategies, programs, and initiatives
During the Selection, Experts Will Consider:
- Your role and capacity to influence decision-making
- Interest in developing and implementing policies
- Willingness to complete the full course and participate in all three facilitated sessions
- Gender and geographic balance
Key Dates
Application Opens: 25 November 2025
Deadline: 17 December 2025
Results Announced: 15 January 2026
Course Access Starts: 19 January 2026
Facilitated Sessions: 12 February, 19 March, 20 April 2026
How to Apply
- Go to the platform: https://britishcouncilarts.grantplatform.com/
- Register or log in
- Select the competition “Supporting the Creative Economy 2025”
- Complete and submit your application
Contacts
If you have any questions, please write to: ce@britishcouncil.org.ua
The Swiss-Ukrainian project UCORD is implemented with the support of Switzerland through the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) by NIRAS Sweden AB.