In a huge move to strengthen cultural relations, the United Kingdom and India have agreed a five year Programme of Cultural Cooperation (POCC) which will improve their creative economies and people to people contacts. The POCC was signed on May 2, 2025 by the UK Secretary of State for Culture Rt Hon Lisa Nandy and Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Minister for Culture of India.
The POCC proposes a strong framework that incorporates partnership activities in the arts, heritage, digital media, performing arts and museums and it is also committed to tackling the illicit trade in cultural property. The press release from the UK government states that the partnership should establish pathways to create new opportunities for cultural professionals and support digitisation initiatives to promote green heritage.
What areas will the cooperation focus on?
The cooperation programme has five major themes relating to digitisation of cultural heritage, enhanced exchanges for museums and galleries, education and co-hosting of cultural events, preservation of cultural property and climate issues in the cultural space. Perhaps the most significant aspect of the program is that both countries intend to share knowledge and skills through exchanges, training, exhibitions and collaborative projects.
How will it impact creative industries?
The POCC connects important organizations including the British Library, the Victoria & Albert Museum and their partner in India, the National Museum of India to advance a broader agenda of increasing the creative industries and generating economic and social value. It also aligns with the commitments made by both countries to use culture as a bridge between diverse communities.
Funded by the British Council and India’s Ministry of Culture, this new partnership embraces a huge opportunity for vibrant bilateral cultural diplomacy to protect a shared heritage while cultivating future cultural innovation.
