World Collections Programme
The World Collections Programme (WCP)
aims to establish two-way partnerships with institutions in Asia
and Africa, and increase their access to the UK collections and
expertise.
The priority regions for cultural
exchange are:
- Africa
- The Middle East
- India
- China
The UK institutions are:
- British Museum
- British Library
- Natural History Museum
- Royal Botanic Gardens (Kew)
- Tate
- Victoria and Albert Museum
The different types of WCP activity
are:
- Developing new relationships
- Digistisation of the Collections
enabling wider electronic access
- Professional development, training,
skill sharing and staff exchange
- Non-English language access to the
Collections (online, radio etc)
- Public programme connected to
exhibitions
- Overseas exhibitions and loans
- Join research and conservation
opportunities
The WCP has DCMS funding of
£1million per year for three years (commenced 1 April 2008).
The network enables greater
coordination of international activities between the six members.
Chaired by BM Director Neil MacGregor, the programme also hopes to
draw on current international partnerships through the BBC World
Service, British Council, Foreign Office and other UK bodies.