BySukant Deepak

New Delhi, June 10 (IANS) British Council has announced the India/UK Together Season of Culture, a celebration of the long-standing relationship between the UK and India.

‘Season of Culture’ aims to build on the British Council’s work in India and strengthen India-UK collaboration in the areas of arts, English and education. It will enable collaborations between emerging artists and arts organisations from both nations, acting as a platform
for greater artistic exchange, global opportunities and exposure.

The collaborations across art forms aim to foster creative expression and will be distinguished by the use of digital innovation in the arts. The collaborations will also have inclusion and diversity principles deeply embedded.

‘Access For All’ is the Season of Culture equality, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) advisor. 
Over 1,400 artists will showcase their collaborations to millions of audiences across India, Britain, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, through a wide array or arts such as theatre, dance, visual arts, literature, music, architecture, design, fashion, tech-art, and new media art. Culture is a strong unifying theme and a key pillar of the India-UK bilateral relationship, underlined in the recently signed ‘UK-India Roadmap 2030’ to elevate bilateral ties and enhance collaboration tosupport the development of the creative economies of both nations.

Music composer A. R. Rahman, recipient of the Padma Shri and Padma Bhushan, who has won major global awards has been announced as the India/UK Together Season of Culture ambassador.

Barbara Wickham OBE, Director India, British Council, said, “India/UK Together, a Season of Culture marks the deep connections between our nations and the 75th anniversary of India. The creative collaborations of emerging Indian and UK artists and arts organisations will
juxtapose art with social dialogue, exploring shared global challenges such as environmental sustainability, inclusion, gender equality and accessibility, and empowering young leaders of the future through the arts. People in both countries will have the chance to experience innovative and exciting creative work from some of the most promising UK and Indian artists pushing the envelope of creativity and the infusion of creative tech.”

Speaking on the association with the Season of Culture, Amish Tripathi, Minister (Culture), Indian High Commission, UK & Director,Nehru Centre, London, said, “With a burgeoning economic relationship, closely aligned governments, and a living bridge in terms of the Indian diaspora in the UK, the sky is the limit for the partnership between India and the UK. My compliments to the British Council for driving the India/UK Together Season of Culture. The Nehru Centre London, under the leadership of ICCR & the High Commission of India to
the UK, is proud to partner in this very important initiative.”

Grammy and Academy Award-winning composer A.R. Rahman added, “I am honoured to be the Ambassador for British Council’s India/UK Together, a Season of Culture, and to celebrate the strong friendship between our two countries. Today, creative expression and exchange can nurture young talent and create a global stage for fair and equitable access to arts. As an artist, it is a pleasure to be part of an innovative cultural programme which supports creative excellence and artistic appreciation; and brings diverse audiences together.”

(This article is website exclusive and cannot be reproduced without the permission of IANSlife)

IANSlife can be contacted at IANSlife@ians.in