British Council Unveils Culture Grows Symposium 2025, Blending Indigenous Wisdom with Digital Innovation
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By James Nyaigoti,
The British Council, in collaboration with Twaweza Communications, has officially kicked off the third Culture Grows Symposium at the National Museums of Kenya.
This year’s event, themed “Heritage in the Digital Age: An Exploration of Indigenous Knowledge and Technology,” forms a key part of the ongoing UK/Kenya Season 2025 and serves as a dynamic platform for global dialogue around culture and technology.
Running from 24 to 26 July, with follow-up sessions later planned for Lagos, Nigeria and London, UK, the symposium brings together a wide spectrum of creatives — from artists and educators to digital innovators and cultural researchers. The goal is to explore how technology can both preserve and reinterpret cultural heritage, while empowering communities and connecting generations.
This year’s edition builds on the momentum of previous symposia held in 2020 and 2022, but with a renewed emphasis on grassroots approaches to cultural conservation. The event highlights work supported by the Cultural Protection Fund, the UK’s flagship funding initiative for international heritage preservation, especially in areas affected by conflict or climate risks.
The Nairobi event has attracted participants from more than 16 countries including Kenya, Nigeria, South Africa, Uganda, Vietnam, Egypt, the UK, and several others — reinforcing its role as a global gathering for thought leaders and cultural practitioners.
Ruth McKenzie CBE, British Council Director of Arts, remarked: “Our cultural heritage is more than memory — it’s a space for creativity and social progress. Through the conversations in Nairobi, we’re exploring how to responsibly use technology to support local traditions and inclusive narratives.”
Maureen Anzaye, who leads the Cultural Heritage programme at the British Council, noted: “This forum puts community voices at the center of heritage work. We’re learning how digital innovation can help communities share and protect their culture in authentic and accessible ways.”
Dr. Kimani Njogu, linguist and Executive Director of Twaweza Communications, added: “Safeguarding indigenous knowledge requires us to adapt as technology evolves. Collaboration, respectful storytelling, and policy engagement are key to making that possible.”
The symposium features keynote speeches, exhibitions, participatory panels, and an interactive “Night at the Museum” experience on 25 July. Key discussion areas include: Using community-driven solutions in heritage preservation
Integrating AI in cultural documentation
Digital rights, ethics, and ownership
Protecting community interests in the digital space
Exploring identity and storytelling through social media
Empowering youth to engage with heritage via digital tools
A number of innovative projects supported by the British Council will be spotlighted, including: Braid Fund, Creative DNA
Catalyst Grants
African Digital Heritage
These initiatives demonstrate how digital platforms are expanding access to cultural knowledge, enabling local communities to tell their own stories, and fostering inclusive cultural networks.
The British Council’s Cultural Heritage programme supports efforts to protect and elevate cultural traditions through community partnerships, digital innovation, and inclusive development. By investing in locally driven initiatives, the programme contributes to both social impact and sustainable cultural ecosystems.
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