This new research reveals the value of taking a Cultural Relations approach to delivering development programmes in ODA countries.
This report seeks to enhance understanding and evidence the contribution of the British Council in supporting the aims of Official Development Assistance (ODA). The research investigates, records, and makes explicit how the British Council realises development aims through the practice of Cultural Relations and explains its relevance in good development practice. It also proposes a conceptual framework laying out how, logically, this work in development contributes secondarily to UK soft power.
The report provides seven case studies that exemplify how the portfolio of British Council work supports the achievement of development objectives under the broad ambitions of peace/stability and enhanced prosperity. These case studies cover the range of development outcomes targeted by the British Council and its expertise across its Arts, Culture, English and Education programmes.
Key findings
The report expands on the following headline findings:
- The Cultural Relations approach to development relies on two constituent parts:
- Cultural Relations Capital: The accumulation of understanding, trust, credibility, and relationships built up over time by cultural relations practitioners in the countries in which it operates.
- Cultural Relations Practice: The activities, engagement models, behaviours, and values that the practitioner applies in delivering its projects and programmes.
- There is a strong mapping of many components of Cultural Relations Capital and Practice to specific elements of good practice identified within the development. However, the broad concept of Cultural Relations is not often understood by the economists, financiers and government administrators that tend to operate in the development sphere.
- Delivering development outcomes through Cultural Relations can sometimes also deliver specific diplomatic outcomes for the UK such as creating safe spaces for dialogue between and within countries and creating opportunities to move on to more difficult conversations.
- Delivering high-quality development outcomes may yield soft power benefits for the UK by reinforcing its reputation as a Force for Good. However, there are significant risks if programmes aim to instrumentalise soft power. Programmes that prioritise delivering impactful development outcomes through high-quality Cultural Relations practice will likely generate soft power ‘naturally’.
Citation
Culligan, K. (2024). A Cultural Relations Approach to Development: Why and how the British Council method to development works. British Council. doi.org/10.57884/HQN2-NN69