Just 150 million a year is earmarked for promoting arts-related projects and the way the sum is allocated is subject to constant review. We've looked at various countries and decided where we can have the most impact. That has resulted in our shifting some of the resources. For example, we have cut down on the amount we spend in western and southern Europe while increasing the amounts we spend in central Asia and the Far East. We are closing down our operation in Belarus, Swaziland and Lesotho but we've opened up in Iran, Libya and Armenia.
Demographics play an important part.
We've also decided we should target younger audiences - the young, aspiring professionals. Traditionally we have worked with the people in positions of power and influence but we now want to work with people who are going to be in positions of power and influence. We also want to make better use of technology, information technology - to get information about Britain out more efficiently. ONE OF THE less well -known areas in which the British Council provides support is in helping to cut down on official red tape and improving government administration efficiency levels. About 15 years ago the British government started a program of modernizing government.