Neil Webb has been appointed as the British Council’s new director of drama and dance, and has said he wants to create more opportunities for UK companies to collaborate with artists worldwide.

Webb currently leads the organisation’s Asia Pacific arts and creative industries programme, and was previously its director for arts for mainland China and Hong Kong.

His work overseas includes coordinating English National Ballet’s first tour of Vietnam and the cultural programme for Tony Blair’s visit to Beijing in 2005.

Speaking to The Stage, Webb said: “We all know the changes and flurries that the British Council has been through in recent years but it is a really good time [now] and the arts is firmly back as one of the three priority areas of the British Council’s work, so that is very encouraging. Strengthening the relationships with the UK sector is the number one priority.”

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