British Council Funds Partners To Deliver 2-Year Cultural Heritage Programme In Kenya

The British Council, through its East Africa Arts programme, has today (26th february 2019) announced the launch of its newest initiative, Cultural Heritage for Inclusive Growth, promoting Kenya’s cultural heritage as an important contributor to social cohesion and economic growth across all levels of society.

Cultural Heritage for Inclusive Growth is a two-year pilot programme being rolled out with local partners in three countries, Kenya, Columbia and Vietnam. In Kenya, seed grants and skills training to support cultural heritage will be offered to individuals, groups, communities and organisations working in creative enterprises, in the fields of music, film, fashion, crafts, gaming, performing arts, and tangible heritage.

Using the hashtag #CultureGrows, the Kenyan programme aims to promote both social engagement and a wider understanding of the key role that Kenya’s diverse cultural heritage can play as a valuable contributor to economic growth, stimulating tourism, creating jobs and enhancing the investment climate.

Jill Coates, British Council Kenya Country Director said, ”Alongside our partners, we are delighted to be officially launching this exciting new programme, which will be engaging communities, preserving libraries, archiving for future generations, building skills as well as improving access to cultural heritage. This programme directly supports the British Council’s overall mission of increasing trust and mutual understanding between people and cultures, alongside the goals of the East Africa Arts programme to promote East African art and to develop creative skills and partnerships.”

Among the implementing partners are Book Bunk Trust, a charitable trust focused on the renovation and restoration of heritage library spaces as well as the installation of new libraries into public spaces, which will be supporting the preservation and promotion of the McMillan Library – Kenya’s oldest library.

Other partners are Chao Tayiana, the writer and Founder of African Digital Heritage, Mount Kenya University in partnership with the University of the West of Scotland, who will spearhead training in cultural heritage skills all over the country. Heva Fund will extend grants for entrepreneurs and small business in the creative economy with the first of its seed funding applications already underway.

Speaking at the launch, Maureen Anzaye – Kubai, Project Manager, Cultural Heritage for Inclusive Growth Programme, East Africa Arts at the British Council commented, ”Kenya has a fantastically rich and diverse cultural heritage and we’re excited to be working with our partners in building awareness about the true value of our culture, along with its potential to improve people’s lives and, more broadly, boost economic growth in Kenya by supporting creative industries and people working in them. The timing is right given both the advances and increased use of technology which provides vital opportunities for conservation and archiving of our cultural heritage.”