The British Council, the UK’s international organisation for educational opportunities and cultural exchange, has announced the culmination of the year-long celebration of Wales in India 2024 at the 25th edition of Nagaland’s iconic Hornbill festival. Wales is one of the partner countries for the upcoming 25th edition of the Hornbill Festival in Nagaland, which begins on 1st December 2024. The partnership was announced in October, during a visit to Wales by the Chief Minister of Nagaland in recognition of joint efforts by the British Council, the British Deputy High Commission in Kolkata, the Welsh Government and Wales Arts International.
“This year’s festival, themed “Two Nations of Culture and Innovation,” marks a significant step in strengthening cultural and educational ties between India and Wales, further enhancing the longstanding relationship between the two nations. As part of this collaboration, the Nagaland Task Force for Music and Arts (TaFMA) will participate in next year’s Celtic Connections, a legacy initiative stemming from its partnership with the festival. This collaboration highlights Nagaland’s growing cultural prominence on global platforms and underscores the enduring impact of cultural exchange programmes,” informed the British Council.
Key Highlights of Wales in India at Hornbill Festival 2024
Cultural Performances
Revered as the ‘Festival of Festivals,’ this year, the Hornbill festival’s global appeal will be enriched by enchanting performances from acclaimed Welsh folk musicians Mari Mathias and Gareth Bonello, collaborating with Naga artist Seyievinuo Chüzho and Khasi artist Benedict Skhemlang Hynniewta. The unique cultural fusion underscores the richness of India-Wales cultures, fostering cross-border creative synergy.
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GREAT Talk Sessions
As part of the GREAT Talk series, Dr. Sharon Tonner-Saunders from the University of Dundee will deliver thought-provoking sessions on The Power of the Performing Arts to Communicate, Connect, and Collaborate. Engaging with students at Hope Academy and Tetso College in Dimapur, her talks aim to spark meaningful dialogue, inspire creativity, and promote cross-cultural understanding. These sessions promise to enrich the learning journey for both students and faculty, fostering innovation and collaboration in the realm of education and the arts.
Empowering Artists Through the India Wales Culture Fund
Five projects – Khasi-Cymru Collective, Sarah Argent and Kevin Lewis, Khamira, Kate Perridge and Meta Arts: Page of Two Lands, Canolfan Gerdd William Mathias and the Cefyn Burgess are being supported through a dedicated culture fund delivered by the British Council in Wales and Wales Arts International, supported by Welsh Government, enabling Welsh artists and arts organisations to work with partners in India to foster meaningful cultural-exchanges and produce impactful creative projects.
Welsh Minister for Culture, Skills and Social Partnership, Jack Sargeant, said: “It was inspiring to meet Nagaland’s Chief Minister recently and to look forward to the fantastic opportunity the Hornbill Festival partnership presents. It will not only highlight Wales’ artistic talents, but also the budding partnerships between our two great nations.
“Our Year of Wales in India – including the iconic Hornbill festival – has offered us multiple platforms to share the best of Welsh creativity, music, and arts across India as well as on one of the country’s most prestigious cultural stages. Certainly, a proud moment for Wales.”
Reflecting on the success of the programme, Alison Barrett MBE Director, British Council India (Minister Education and Cultural Affairs, British High Commission in India) said, “Wales in India 2024 has been a remarkable celebration of cultural exchange, highlighting the shared creativity, innovation and deep connections between India and Wales. Seeing Welsh and Indian artists unite to create, inspire and exchange ideas has been a testament to the power of arts to transcend boundaries. The Hornbill festival, with its global appeal and profound cultural significance, is the perfect culmination of this impactful journey. We are confident that the meaningful connections forged this year will continue to thrive, leaving a lasting legacy of creativity and partnership for years to come.”
About the British Council
The British Council is the UK’s international organisation for cultural relations and educational opportunities. We build connections, understanding and trust between people in the UK and other countries through arts and culture, education and the English language. Last year we reached over 67 million people directly and 745 million people overall including online, and through broadcasts and publications. Founded in 1934 we are a UK charity governed by Royal Charter and a UK public body. We receive a 15 per cent core funding grant from the UK government. www.britishcouncil.in
