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3rd G20 Culture Group Meeting Begins in Hampi, Karnataka

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The third G20 Culture Working Group (CWG) meeting, held from 9th to 12th July, has kicked off in the historic city of Hampi, Karnataka. Hosted by India as part of its G20 presidency, this important gathering brings together delegates from G20 member countries, invitee nations, and several international organizations. Building upon previous meetings in Khajuraho and Bhubaneswar, the Hampi meeting aims to drive collaborative efforts in the realm of culture.

Four Priority Areas for Cultural Collaboration

The Culture Working Group’s discussions revolve around four priority areas outlined during India’s G20 Presidency in the Culture Track. These priorities include the protection and restitution of cultural property, harnessing living heritage for a sustainable future, promotion of cultural and creative industries and creative economy, and leveraging digital technologies for the protection and promotion of culture. The meeting will focus on achieving a consensus on recommendations and best practices in these crucial areas.

Strengthening Cultural Collaborations: Bilateral Agreements and Return of Artifacts

Efforts to strengthen cultural collaborations extend beyond the G20 framework. Bilateral agreements, such as the Cultural Property Agreement between India and the United States, are being negotiated to intercept smuggled goods and swiftly return them. This agreement is expected to facilitate the return of around 150 artifacts from the US within the next three to six months. Furthermore, discussions center around encouraging G20 countries to become signatories to the UNESCO Convention of 1970, which aims to voluntarily return cultural artifacts taken due to colonial plunder or post-colonial misappropriation.

Emphasizing Sustainable Future and Cultural Economy

The theme “Harnessing Living Heritage for a Sustainable Future” focuses on improving the rights of indigenous communities and safeguarding traditional practices against misappropriation. The meeting aims to facilitate discussions that ensure the practicing communities benefit from the commercialization of living heritage. Additionally, promoting cultural and creative industries and fostering a creative economy is a priority, with a focus on understanding and developing mechanisms to create cultural footprints and drive economic growth through these avenues.

Leveraging Digital Technologies for Cultural Preservation

Recognizing the ongoing digital revolution in the cultural world, discussions highlight the potential of augmented reality, virtual reality, and immersive technologies. The emphasis is on creating mechanisms that enable interoperability, facilitating the sharing of digital products across borders. By leveraging digital technologies, cultural preservation, and promotion can be enhanced.

Cultural Exhibitions and Record-Breaking Initiatives

As part of the 3rd G20 CWG Meeting, an exhibition titled “Woven Narratives” is being held, highlighting the promotion of cultural and creative industries and the creative economy. This exhibition showcases hand weaving across India, emphasizing the distinct ecologies of manufacture, trade, and use. Additionally, an attempt to enter the Guinness Book of World Records is being made through the largest display of Lambani embroidery patches. This initiative involves over 450 women artisans and aims to unite cultures through the art form.

Cultural Experiences and Collaborative Activities

In addition to the official discussions, delegates will have the opportunity to witness various cultural experiences during their visit. These include visits to heritage sites such as the Vijaya Vittala Temple and the Yeduru Basavanna complex, as well as engaging in DIY activities like leather puppetry, Ganjifa artwork, Bidri artwork, and Kinhal craft. Cultural performances and the enthralling Bamboo Symphony band will be presented to enrich the delegates’ experience.

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