New Perspectives on UK-Iran Cultural Relations, 2015

The British Council is the UK’s organisation for international cultural relations. Through cultural relations –the arts, education and society, and languages –we build trust through greater understanding, creating opportunities for the individuals and groups with whom we work across the world.

The British Council has been working in and with Iran since 1942. Although we currently do not have a physical office in the Islamic Republic of Iran, we continue to deliver a full cultural relations portfolio in partnership with UK and Iranian organisations, in order to build a better understanding between our two countries that may lead to greater trust.

Misunderstanding and misrepresentation in Iran and the UK are among the greatest challenges affecting bilateral relations. Cultural relations are among the most powerful tools that the UK and Iran have for addressing these twin challenges, and building trust for mutual benefit.

The British Council has responded to the positive developments in the bilateral relationship since the inauguration of President Rouhani in August 2013 by increasing the scope, scale, and impact of its cultural relations work with the Islamic Republic of Iran. Working with, and for the benefit of UK and Iranian partners, the British Council seeks to create opportunities for individuals and organisations in both countries.

This volume seeks to explore the past and present cultural relations ties between the UK and Iran, and make positive suggestions for future development. Despite the history of relations between the two countries being characterised by mistrust, cultural relations partnerships and respect for each country’s arts, education sector, and linguistic heritage have remained extremely high. We hope that this volume demonstrates the strength and scope of some of those relations, and that it might provide inspiration for further and deeper cooperation and collaboration in these areas.