We are looking for policy makers, representatives of cultural institutions, and creative-industry professionals who want to strengthen the development of their regions through the tools of the creative economy.

Supporting the Creative Economy is an online training 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 supported by Switzerland and delivered by NIRAS Sweden AB across six pilot regions of Ukraine. 

The programme has been running in Ukraine since 2022 and already brings together 287 alumni, who are applying their knowledge to regional development strategies, cultural policies, and local initiatives.

“For governments that think strategically, economies built on ideas and intellectual property will only grow in importance. If oil drove the world in the 20th century, creativity will drive it in the 21st.” – John Newbigin, the Mayor of London’s Ambassador for the Creative Industries

Course structure

  • 6 modules × 3–4 lessons on the British Council learning platform
  • 18–24 hours of video lectures by UK experts
  • Learning materials, exercises and resources for self-study
  • 3 facilitated online sessions in Ukrainian (after every two modules)
  • Duration: approx. 3 months at your own pace
  • Access opens: 19 January 2026

Upon completion, you will receive a certificate.

The programme consists of six in-depth modules that progressively introduce participants to the key dimensions of the creative economy — from understanding the sector to policy, entrepreneurship, digital innovation, and place-based development. Each module includes 3–4 lessons with video lectures, practical exercises, and additional learning materials.

1. Introduction to the Cultural and Creative Industries (CCIs)

  • Key concepts and features of CCIs
  • The role of CCIs in society and the economy
  • Fundamentals of policy
  • Data, monitoring and advocacy

2. Social and Economic Innovation

  • The value of CCIs for social and economic development
  • Local development and creative approaches
  • Social impact investment
  • The role of creative education

3. Entrepreneurship in the CCIs

  • Financing and business models
  • Intellectual property rights
  • Tools for supporting creative enterprises

4. Networks, Hubs and Ecosystems

  • The role of creative hubs
  • Governance and financing of hubs
  • How to demonstrate impact and effectiveness

5. Digital Innovation in the CCIs

  • Foundations of digital innovation
  • Examples of digital solutions in the CCIs
  • How the sector supports innovation

6. Creative Placemaking, Urban Development and Tourism

  • Principles of creative placemaking
  • Creative cities: working with the CCIs
  • The role of CCIs in tourism development

The course is coordinated and facilitated by the PPV Economic Development Agency, which works in the fields of the creative economy, innovation, sustainable development, and cross-sector collaboration.

Facilitated Sessions Expert — Volodymyr Vorobei

  • 15+ years of experience in strategic consulting and sector development
  • Expert for the Ukrainian Cultural Foundation; consultant for the House of Europe: Creative Business Boost programme (2021–2025)
  • Mentor and jury member for Creative Enterprise Ukraine pitch sessions
  • Has facilitated dozens of partnerships and projects within the CCIs

During the facilitated sessions, Volodymyr will help participants connect the course content with the real needs of regional development.

We invite applications from:

  • policy makers in the fields of culture, the economy and regional development
  • representatives of Regional Military Administrations, departments of culture and economy, and regional development agencies
  • managers and professionals working in the cultural and creative industries
  • specialists involved in shaping and implementing strategies, programmes and initiatives

The selection committee will consider:

  • your role and ability to influence decision making
  • your interest in developing and implementing policies
  • your commitment to completing the full course and participating in all three facilitated sessions
  • gender and geographic balance

Applications open: 25 November 2025
Deadline: 17 December 2025
Results announced: 15 January 2026
Course access starts: from 19 January 2026
Facilitated sessions: 12 February, 19 March, 20 April 2026

  1. Visit the platform: https://britishcouncilarts.grantplatform.com/
  2. Register or log in
  3. Select the call “Supporting the Creative Economy 2025”
  4. Complete and submit your application

If you have any questions, please contact us at ce@britishcouncil.org.ua.

The Swiss–Ukrainian project Ukraine’s Cohesion and Regional Development, UCORD is implemented with the support of Switzerland via Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) by NIRAS Sweden AB.
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