The 5th BRICS Culture Ministers’ Meeting recently took place via video conference, presided over by the Russian Federation. In this session, representatives from the cultural ministries of the BRICS nations – Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa – converged to engage in discussions regarding the current global scenario.
The Impact of Covid-19 on Cultural Spheres within BRICS Countries
The main talking point of the meeting was the way the Covid-19 situation has affected the cultural sphere in each BRICS nation. The pandemic has undeniably caused shifts in the way we perceive and engage with culture, resulting in a significant impact on the cultural sectors of these countries.
Future Prospects: Reviewing Joint Cultural Online-Projects within BRICS
Additionally, the meeting focused on reviewing the feasibility of implementing joint cultural online projects under the BRICS banner. This is likely a result of the increased need for digital platforms due to the ongoing pandemic.
India’s Suggestions: Digitisation and BRICS Corner
India presented two key suggestions during the meeting. The first being the exploration of hosting a Digital Online Exhibition towards the end of 2021, under the BRICS Alliance of Museums. This would involve full cooperation and content sharing for the website envisaged under the BRICS Alliance.
The second initiative suggested by India was the opening of the ‘BRICS Corner’ under the BRICS Alliance of Libraries expected to be inaugurated during India’s BRICS Presidency in 2021. The purpose of the Corner is to disseminate information related to the history and culture of BRICS countries.
Joint Exhibition by India: Bonding Regions & Imagining Cultural Synergies
India will also be organizing a joint exhibition through the National Gallery of Modern Arts in New Delhi. The event, titled ‘Bonding Regions & Imagining Cultural Synergies’, will be held under the auspices of the BRICS Alliance of Art Museums and Galleries in 2021.
Cultural Cooperation among BRICS Nations
Cultural cooperation among the BRICS nations has been an ongoing process. In 2018, these countries endorsed institution-to-institution collaborations through various alliances. A significant move was made in 2017, when an agreement on cooperation in the field of culture for a span of four years (2017-21) was signed between the governments of the BRICS nations.
Understanding BRICS
BRICS is an acronym for the world’s leading emerging economies including Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa. The term was initially coined as BRIC by British economist Jim O’Neill in 2001, and later South Africa joined in 2010 to form BRICS. The group’s chairmanship rotates annually among its members following the order of the acronym B-R-I-C-S.
Progression and Future Endeavors
Most BRICS countries have historical or even ancient ties with one another, making culture a particularly opportune area for collaboration. Cultural cooperation can help reduce conflicts and promote peace among the BRICS nations. For example, India, China, and Russia were all part of the ancient Silk Route which served as a corridor for trade, religions, and philosophies. The New Development Bank also plays an essential role in providing short-term liquidity support to the members besides promoting cultural liaison. Additionally, several tourist destinations within BRICS nations need investment in infrastructure which also presents opportunities for cooperation.