At a gala dinner in Delhi, 160 Indian and international artistes will perform a BRICS Symphony, marking a deliberate and significant shift towards cultural diplomacy within the bloc. While primarily known for economic and geopolitical aspirations, BRICS now actively invests in cultural exchange to forge deeper unity and a shared identity. The initiatives strategically expand the bloc's influence, aiming to build a more cohesive identity that challenges existing global cultural narratives and fosters greater internal cohesion.
The BRICS Bazaar, hosted in Delhi for the BRICS Summit, showcases the cultural heritage of member and partner countries, according to The Economic Times. This event extends its reach beyond core membership, uniting cultures and crafts from 18 nations, as reported by Business Standard. Further solidifying this commitment, the BRICS Culture Ministers’ Meeting in Bhopal adopted the Bhopal Declaration, formalizing cultural cooperation and moving the bloc beyond ad-hoc events towards institutionalized unity, according to The Tribune.
A Symphony of Nations and Collaborative Art
- Around 160 Indian and international artistes will perform the BRICS Symphony during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's gala dinner at Bharat Mandapam, according to The Tribune and outlooktraveller.
- Artists from BRICS countries collaborated on the BRICS Friendship Mural, themed 'Sangam' to symbolize the confluence of cultures, according to The Tribune.
Large-scale projects, from the symphony to the collaborative mural, project unity through integrated artistic expression at the highest diplomatic levels, fostering a shared cultural identity that moves beyond simple exchange.
Showcasing Traditional Heritage and Craftsmanship
The Bazaar highlights indigenous art forms like Gond painting from Madhya Pradesh and Saura painting from Odisha, according to swarajyamag. Angora and Pashmina shawls, woven by the Bodh and Bhutia tribes of Leh-Ladakh and Himachal Pradesh, are also prominently displayed, according to swarajyamag. The Indian contingent for the BRICS Symphony further elevates this heritage, featuring performers representing Bharatanatyam, Kuchipudi, Odissi, and Kathak, according to The Tribune. The diverse display positions India's deep cultural heritage as a foundational element for the broader BRICS cultural narrative, asserting its role as a soft power leader within the bloc.
BRICS Cultural Diplomacy and Global Identity
The extensive cultural programming, including the 160-artist BRICS Symphony and the 'Sangam' mural, actively builds a collective BRICS cultural identity. The strategy challenges the Western-centric global cultural narrative, asserting its own diverse aesthetic on the world stage. Prime Minister Modi's personal involvement in hosting the gala dinner confirms that BRICS leaders view cultural diplomacy not as an ancillary event, but as a core strategic pillar for solidifying the bloc's unity and global standing.
If BRICS continues to invest in such high-profile cultural initiatives, its influence will likely expand beyond economic ties, shaping a more diverse global cultural landscape.
