About the ABCs

Aik SaathIn 2008, iCoCo launched the Awards for Bridging Cultures (ABCs). Funded by the Baring Foundation, the ABCs reward grassroots projects, run by community and voluntary organisations, that help to build bridges between communities and cultures. It also rewards private and public sector organisations that support this work by funding or initiating projects. 

Now in its third year, the ABCs has become established as a key platform to promote grass roots activity to build trust and respect between people from different cultures.

Globe with classroom activity in backgroundIn 2009, the independent panel of judges were impressed with the range and quality of submissions and the creative ways in which people across the UK were working together to promote intercultural dialogue. The ABCs highlights these schemes, rewards the people and organisations that are leading and investing in them and shares good practice. Among the commended and winning projects in 2009 were theatre projects, work to address community tensions on a residential estate and a scheme to encourage men to move away from bigotry and politically motivated violence. 

We know that many of the schemes are run with limited resources.  Because of this we have designed an application and assessment process that is simple but fair.  A one-day learning event and awards ceremony in December 2010 will showcase shortlisted projects in each of the categories and celebrate overall winners.  This will share good practice in promoting intercultural dialogue between projects from across the UK.

We hope you will consider applying for the ABCs or encourage groups you know to apply.