This year, the Awards for Bridging Cultures (ABCs) are launched for the first time. Funded by the Baring Foundation and delivered by the Institute of Community Cohesion (iCoCo), the ABCs will reward grass roots, community and voluntary organisations for local schemes and projects which promote intercultural dialogue and understanding. It will also reward public and private sector organisations for initiating and supporting such schemes.
Why is this important? The increasing pace and scale of globalisation is reflected in the increasing diversity of local communities. It is essential that society creates opportunities which bring people from different backgrounds together to learn about, interact with and critically review their own and other people's cultures. Over time this can help to achieve cultural change by building understanding and awareness. It can also help to promote trust and respect.
| We are aware that there are many projects across the United Kingdom that actively work to promote this understanding and awareness. Community sports, culture, interfaith and education projects bring people together from different backgrounds, age groups and cultures to find common purpose in shared activities. |
The ABCs will highlight these schemes, reward the people and organisations that are leading and investing in them and share good practice.
We know that many of these projects are run by volunteers with limited resources. Because of this we hope that we have designed an application and assessment process that is simple but fair. A one day conference and awards ceremony in winter 2008 will showcase short listed projects in each of the three categories and celebrate overall winners.
We do hope that you will consider applying for the ABCs or encourage relevant groups that you are aware of to apply. Download the Guidance for Applicants for more information.