The Culture Grows Symposium 2025, held at the National Museums Kenya, marked a powerful moment within the British Council’s UK/Kenya Season calendar. Centring on ‘Heritage in the Digital Age’, the hybrid event connected artists, technologists, policy makers from around the world.
The three-day conference was a kaleidoscope exchange on indigenous knowledge and technology. One of the highlights included 'Clicks for Culture: How communities are taking over the feed’, a panel moderated by Stephanie Grant, Director of the Cultural Protection Fund. It delved into the ethics behind community-led initiatives and asked audiences how to ensure that local voices are visible, respected, and safeguarded in the digital age. It featured:
- Mutanu Kyana - Programme Outreach and Partnerships Lead, Africa Digital Heritage
- Julius Mutuku Muindi, Director at Akamba Cultural CentreReca
- Nic Wang’ondu, Director of Scrip-tease (VR experience of Fort Jesus)
- Gilmore Qhawe Khumalo, Founder of I wear my Culture.
Outside of the auditorium, the museum’s grounds held a reflective garden space, music, and vibrant exhibition stands from CPF projects such as:
- Faiz Foundation Trust
- Likikiri Collective
- Mallinson Architects
- MaritimEA Research
- Natural Roots Foundation.
A particular standout session in the programme was on ‘Global Ties, Local Vibes: How Community Projects and Culture Bring Us Together.’ Moderated by Skinder Hundal, we heard from CPF projects on how international cooperation can support grassroots projects that revitalise intangible heritage for future generations. Speakers included Binti Gurung (Natural Roots Foundation), Omar Lali (Twaweza Communications), and Rebecca Lorins (Likikiri Collective).
Maureen Anzaye, Programme Manager, Cultural Heritage at the British Council said: 'This year’s Culture Grows Symposium has been one of our most dynamic and well-attended yet, bringing together over 3,000 people online and in person. It was especially energising to see so many young people participating, from the panel discussions to our Night at the Museum experience. Their voices and ideas brought urgency and creativity to the conversations on heritage and innovation. The success of the Symposium shows that there is a growing appetite for reimagining how we protect and share culture, and we’re proud to be supporting that momentum across the region.’
Following Nairobi, the conversation will continue at SOAS University on 9 September. This gathering is presented in partnership with The Africa Centre, Decolonising the Archive, and the British Council.
