Comment | 'The government needs to cancel the British Council's debt'

The British Council, founded in 1934 to foster international cultural relations, is currently in dire financial straits due to a £250 million government loan from the pandemic. Chief Executive Scott McDonald warns that without significant changes, the Council could disappear within a decade. The crisis is compounded by the potential sale of its 9,000-piece art collection, which includes works by renowned artists. Critics highlight the importance of these cultural assets, expressing concern that their liquidation would set a dangerous precedent for other public cultural institutions.

The British Council's work in promoting cultural exchange and the English language is needed more than ever in the face of rising nationalism and undermined international institutions.

A potential sell-off of its valuable art collection would set a concerning precedent for other public bodies struggling in tough economic times.

Read at The Art Newspaper - International art news and events