- Bharat Mandapam conclave brings together government, industry, cultural institutions and creators to explore partnerships, investment and technology for India's creative economy.
New Delhi: The Ministry of Culture, Government of India, organised “Creative India: Collective Possibilities”, a conference focused on collaborative models for strengthening India's creative economy, at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi. The conclave brought together representatives from Central and State Governments, cultural institutions, industry, philanthropy, the creative community and international partners.
The conference was inaugurated by Union Minister for Culture Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, who highlighted India's cultural and creative potential as an important foundation for economic growth, livelihoods and the country's global presence.
Addressing the gathering, the Minister said that India's creative power is rooted in its living civilisation and the contributions of every region and generation. He emphasised the need to connect creative talent with opportunities so that culture can contribute to national prosperity and India's voice across the world.
Ministry of Culture Seeks Collaborative Partnerships
Secretary, Ministry of Culture, Vivek Aggarwal, described the Government's role as that of a catalyst in enabling partnerships. He said collaboration between the Ministry and its partners can help transform heritage into a living resource for communities, artists and enterprises.
He also highlighted the role of the Ministry's Creative Economy Division in developing such partnerships.
Joint Secretary (Creative Economy), Inderjeet Singh, placed culture within India's broader development agenda, including the vision of Viksit Bharat. He highlighted the Ministry's network of 43 organisations, more than 3,600 protected monuments, museums, archives, Akademis and Zonal Cultural Centres as important public infrastructure for the country's creative economy.
Existing Partnerships Supporting India's Cultural Heritage
The conference highlighted several initiatives through which partnerships are already contributing to the preservation and promotion of India's cultural heritage.
Key examples discussed included:
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National Culture Fund: Completed 66 projects with 39 partners since 1996.
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Adopt a Heritage: Engages partners at 66 monuments.
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Piprahwa relics: Their return to India was facilitated through a partnership with Godrej Industries Group.
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Purana Qila: Sabhyata Foundation has supported cultural evenings at the historic site.
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India Pavilion at Venice 2026: Realised in partnership with the Nita Mukesh Ambani Cultural Centre and Serendipity Arts Foundation.
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Google Arts & Culture: A new Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) will support the presentation of India's heritage to audiences worldwide.
These examples were presented as models for bringing together public institutions, private organisations and cultural partners.
Four Sessions Focus on Investment, Innovation and Technology
The conclave featured four thematic sessions designed to explore different dimensions of India's creative economy.
1. Investing in Culture
The session explored opportunities for philanthropy and private capital to support cultural initiatives, along with the need for trusted partnership mechanisms and more accessible funding pathways.
2. Culture-Led Spaces
Discussions focused on monuments, museums and festivals as living cultural destinations that can encourage public engagement, tourism and local economic activity.
3. Culturepreneurs
The session examined ways to support artisans, designers and creative professionals in moving from traditional livelihoods towards sustainable enterprises.
4. Technology and Communication
Participants discussed how technology and communication can help present India's knowledge systems, cultural narratives and heritage to wider audiences, while strengthening India's ability to tell its stories on its own terms.
The sessions brought together patrons, investors, heritage practitioners, designers, entrepreneurs and technology leaders.
Creative Economy Linked to Viksit Bharat Vision
The Ministry of Culture envisages a common and evolving framework for India's creative economy, based on measurable outcomes, simpler facilitation and structured routes for investment in culture.
The approach seeks to connect India's heritage and living traditions with sustainable livelihoods, entrepreneurship and international visibility.
The Ministry has invited State Governments, cultural institutions, industry representatives, philanthropic organisations, creators and international partners to work together in shaping this framework.
Focus on Long-Term Cultural and Economic Opportunities
The deliberations at “Creative India: Collective Possibilities” are expected to inform the Ministry's continued engagement with States, institutions and partners in India and abroad.
The conference highlighted the potential of India's cultural resources not only as a source of heritage and identity but also as a foundation for employment, enterprise, innovation and global engagement.
FAQs
1. What is the Creative India: Collective Possibilities conference?
It is a Ministry of Culture conference focused on collaborative models and partnerships to strengthen India's creative economy.
2. Where was the Creative India conclave organised?
The conference was held at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi.
3. Who inaugurated the conference?
Union Minister for Culture Gajendra Singh Shekhawat inaugurated the conclave.
4. Which organisations and sectors participated?
Representatives from Central and State Governments, cultural institutions, industry, philanthropy, the creative community and international partners participated.
5. What were the four main themes of the conference?
The four sessions focused on Investing in Culture, Culture-Led Spaces, Culturepreneurs, and Technology and Communication.
6. What is the role of the Ministry of Culture's Creative Economy Division?
The division is intended to develop partnerships that connect India's cultural resources with communities, artists, enterprises and wider economic opportunities.
7. How many projects has the National Culture Fund completed with partners?
The National Culture Fund has completed 66 projects with 39 partners since 1996, as highlighted at the conference.
8. What is the Adopt a Heritage initiative?
The initiative engages partners in supporting heritage-related activities at monuments. The conference noted partner engagement at 66 monuments.
9. What is the significance of the Google Arts & Culture MoU?
The MoU is intended to help bring India's heritage to audiences worldwide.
10. How does the Creative India initiative relate to Viksit Bharat?
The initiative seeks to connect India's cultural heritage and creative talent with livelihoods, entrepreneurship, investment and global opportunities, supporting the broader development vision of Viksit Bharat.
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