New Delhi, Sept. 28 -- The Delhi government and Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) on Monday signed an MoU to expand international opportunities for the capital's artists and strengthen cultural and academic exchanges, with a focus on tourism promotion and global outreach.
The agreement, signed in the presence of Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, will enable established and emerging Delhi artists to participate in ICCR's Horizon Series and international cultural festivals. The government will identify talent across performing arts, literature, sculpture, textiles, architecture, culinary arts and handicrafts and create a comprehensive directory to be shared with ICCR.
The partnership will facilitate participation of foreign artists in Delhi's cultural and tourism festivals.
Joint exhibitions, artist residency programmes, workshops and seminars involving Indian and international artists will also be organised.
Foreign scholars and dignitaries visiting under ICCR programmes will be hosted in Delhi, while study camps and orientation visits will be arranged for foreign students to showcase the city's historical and cultural heritage.
The MoU will remain valid for five years and can be extended for another five years by mutual consent. A joint committee comprising ICCR and Delhi government officials will prepare an annual activity plan and oversee implementation.
"Along with development, Delhi's rich heritage, art and cultural identity must also move forward equally," Gupta said, adding that the partnership would give fresh momentum to the city's culture, tourism and creative economy.
Art, Culture and Language Minister Kapil Mishra said the agreement would create international opportunities for local talent and strengthen cultural exchanges with foreign artists and scholars.
Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Millennium Post.