Delhi Govt, ICCR sign MoU to promote culture, tourism and academic sectors
Delhi government and ICCR sign a landmark MoU to promote the capital's art, culture, and academic sectors on a global stage.
In a significant move to elevate the capital's global profile, the Delhi government has entered into a strategic partnership with the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR). The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aims to provide massive recognition to Delhi's rich art, cultural heritage, tourism, and academic sectors on the international stage.
The agreement was signed in the presence of Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, alongside cabinet ministers Manjinder Singh Sirsa and Kapil Mishra, and senior departmental officials. This institutional partnership is designed to boost Delhi's economy and tourism while assisting the ICCR in its mission of cultural diplomacy.
Global Stage for Local Talent
One of the most impactful outcomes of this agreement is the direct pathway it creates for Delhi's creative community. Under the new terms, both established and emerging artists from the capital will gain access to ICCR’s prestigious 'Horizon Series' and various international cultural festivals. To streamline this, the Delhi government will identify talent across diverse fields, including:
- Performing arts and literature
- Sculpture and architecture
- Textiles and handicrafts
- Culinary arts
A comprehensive, integrated directory of these artists will be created and shared with the ICCR, serving as a definitive database for international events and opportunities.
Boosting Tourism and Academic Exchange
The MoU also focuses heavily on making Delhi a global hub for cultural exchange. The partnership will facilitate performances by foreign artists at major festivals hosted in the city. Furthermore, foreign scholars and dignitaries visiting under the ICCR’s Distinguished Visitors and Academic Visitors Programmes will be hosted within the capital.
To foster deeper connections, the agreement outlines several collaborative initiatives, such as:
- Joint art exhibitions and artist residency camps
- Workshops and seminars for visual artists from India and abroad
- Study camps and orientation visits for foreign students associated with the ICCR
By hosting international students, the city aims to promote its historical and cultural landmarks, while simultaneously promoting Delhi's top universities and educational institutions to the ICCR’s vast international student network.
Logistical Support and Implementation
To ensure the success of these initiatives, both parties will provide specific logistical support. The Delhi government has committed to covering expenses for international cultural groups participating in city events. Similarly, for Delhi-based artists traveling abroad, the government will handle costs related to air travel, transportation, and visas.
In return, the ICCR will assist with identifying international participants and managing necessary travel arrangements, such as visas and medical requirements for performers.
To oversee the execution of this partnership, a joint committee will be formed. This committee, comprising the Director General of the ICCR (or a representative), senior officials from the Delhi Government’s Department of Art and Culture, and the head of the ICCR’s regional office, will be responsible for finalizing an annual activity plan. The current MoU is set for an initial period of five years, with the possibility of a five-year extension through mutual consent.
Speaking at the event, Chief Minister Rekha Gupta emphasized that this partnership is a vital step in connecting Delhi’s immense talent with wider platforms across India and the world, fostering a continuous international cultural dialogue within the city.