logo
episode-header-image
Oct 2024
17m 25s

Bonus episode: on culture

BRITISH COUNCIL
About this episode

What does culture mean to you? Is it the art we create, the traditions we carry, or the values we hold dear? In this mini episode of Our World, Connected, Christine Wilson, Director of Research and Insight at the British Council, delves deeper into the multifaceted nature of culture and its incredible power to connect, inspire, and heal. 


Christine revisits some of the most impactful conversations from the first season, featuring insights from Alexandra Xanthaki, UN Special Rapporteur on Cultural Rights, Scott Orr, a data scientist from the UCL Institute of Sustainable Heritage, David Watson, the Executive Director of Audiences and Media at National Museums Liverpool, and Hala Nur, a British Council colleague working in Sudan. Together, they discuss how culture transcends borders, linking people through shared values, language, art, and traditions. From the Eurovision Song Contest's unifying magic to the profound connection between culture and the environment, we unpack how culture shapes our world and fosters a deep sense of belonging.


This is the first of a 3-part mini-series we’re putting together as we prepare for Season 2 of Our World, Connected, coming this January.


Episodes Featured:

Is culture the missing key to global progress?

United by music: Lessons from Eurovision 2023

Climate Change and Cultural Heritage: Protecting our Past and Future

Culture and Education: Seeds of Hope in Times of Conflict


Follow British Council Research and Insight:

Newsletter – https://www.britishcouncil.org/research-insight/subscribe 

Twitter – https://twitter.com/InsightBritish 

Website - https://www.britishcouncil.org/research-insight 

Up next
Sep 24
Culture as climate action: creativity, community and change
What does cultural heritage have to do with climate change, and how can creativity help communities respond to a crisis that threatens both land and legacy?In the opening episode of Season 3, host Christine Wilson explores cultural heritage and creativity in the context of climat ... Show More
34m 19s
Sep 17
Season 3 - Trailer
We’re back! Join us over the coming 12 episodes, where we’ll be continuing our global conversations about culture, education and language, asking how creativity, learning, and international exchange can help us meet the challenges of today’s complex and interconnected world.This ... Show More
2m 13s
Sep 10
Teaching hope: conflict, courage and community
What role can education play in times of war, displacement, and uncertainty? And how can schools and universities provide not just learning, but hope, courage, and resilience for communities in crisis?In this bonus episode of Our World, Connected, host Christine Wilson reflects o ... Show More
13m 47s
Recommended Episodes
Nov 2021
Developing Culture With Michal Oshman
TikTok and Facebook are just two companies that consider their culture to be crucial to their success and this week’s guest, Michal Oshman, has not only worked for both but she is Head of Culture at TikTok EMEA. In this episode, we explore what culture is; why it’s important; and ... Show More
46m 51s
Aug 2024
Personal Narratives in Collective History, Consumer Culture & Mass Production | Raed Yassin
What is the difference between being an artist and an entertainer? What are the nuances of conveying humour and comedy through art? In this conversation, multi-creative Raed Yassin gives us his take. From growing up in Beirut during the civil war and how this has impacted his wor ... Show More
1 h
Feb 2024
SKY HOPINKA on What We Pass On /364
This week, Ayana is joined by Sky Hopinka in a conversation that dives deep into the meaning of art and film and the stories and emotions we share between generations. Sky grounds the conversation in his incredible expertise and thoughtful approach to media. Touching on the very ... Show More
59m 1s
Aug 11
How Do You Decolonize Care? | Sundus Abdul Hadi & Maktaba Bookshop
We explore the Arab community's evolution in Montreal, the intent behind Maktaba Bookshop as a space for Arab representation and cultural exchange, and the concept of decolonizing care. The founder of Maktaba in Montreal, Iraqi artist and author Sundus Abdul Hadi shares her immig ... Show More
54m 51s
May 2025
“Fight for your happiness, or the world will crush you” -Mustafa Briggs 150
Mustafa is an author, historian, and creator of the acclaimed ‘Beyond Bilal’ lecture series, for a wide-ranging conversation on faith, identity, and the often-overlooked contributions of Black-Muslims throughout history. Mustafa shares the personal story of how his journey into I ... Show More
1h 41m
Aug 25
Smita Prabhakar on Ishara Art Foundation & Nurturing South Asian Art in the UAE
We challenge the conventional perceptions of home and identity in a diasporic context and delve into South Asian art. An art collector, entrepreneur, and the founder and chairperson of the Ishara Art Foundation, Smita Prabhakar shares personal anecdotes, including her move to Dub ... Show More
57m 20s
Aug 20
Decoding Empires: Akala on Hip Hop & South-South Solidarity
Rapper, writer, and thought leader Akala joins us on Quartertones live at Sole DXB to talk about his early career steps in London, the city's unique blends due to its history, and his drive to connect with diverse audiences. He shares insights into the impact of colonialism and t ... Show More
32m 15s
Mar 2025
Inside the Islamic Arts Biennale | HE Rakan Altouq & Dr Julian Raby
In this episode of the afikra podcast, host Mikey Muhanna speaks with His Excellency Rakan Altouq – Vice Chair of the Diriyah Biennale Arts Foundation and Assistant Minister for Culture of Saudi Arabia – and Dr Julian Raby, one of the artistic directors of the Islamic Arts Bienna ... Show More
56m 37s
Feb 2025
Curating Art Shows at Jaou Tunis & Navigating Artistic & Cultural Politics | Taous Dahmani
In this episode of The afikra Podcast, host Mikey Muhanna chats with Dr Taous Dahmani, a London-based art historian, writer, and curator. She discusses her career, her ties to Tunis, and curating the exhibitions Unstable Point and Assembly at Jaou Tunis. She explores the socio-po ... Show More
50m 47s
Sep 2024
The Insight Track with ASHEKMAN: Revolutionizing Arabic Street Art, Culture, and Legacy
💬 Join the conversation! Share your thoughts in the comments below and let us know what you think of Mais's journey.  Join our WhatsApp channel for exclusive behind-the-scenes clips and insights on upcoming shows. Be part of our community and stay updated! https://whatsapp.com/c ... Show More
56m 38s