ICI Annual Conference Marks 2025 Milestones and Launches “Cultural Carrier Alliance” Initiative
The Intercultural Connections Initiative (ICI) successfully convened its Annual Conference, bringing together partners from the cultural, creative, technology, trade, and international exchange sectors to reflect on achievements in 2025 and to outline a shared vision for the future of cross-cultural collaboration.
Looking Back on 2025: Building a Multi-Sector Cultural Ecosystem
Throughout 2025, ICI continued to advance its mission of fostering meaningful international cultural exchange. Anchored by flagship initiatives such as Chinese Culture Week (CCW) and a growing portfolio of international collaborations, ICI expanded its work across performing arts, exhibitions, spatial and cultural design, cultural products, technology-enabled services, and mobility-focused programmes.
These activities collectively reflect ICI’s long-term commitment to connecting culture with industry, creativity with infrastructure, and local practices with global platforms.
Looking Ahead: Launch of the “Cultural Carrier Alliance”
During the conference, ICI formally announced the establishment of the Cultural Carrier Alliance, a new collaborative initiative designed to function as a cross-sector alliance for cultural and creative organisations—similar in spirit to a chamber of commerce, but tailored to the realities of today’s cultural economy.
In an era defined by rapid global change, increasing international complexity, and heightened demands for professionalisation and sustainability, the Alliance seeks to provide a shared platform through which members can collaborate, co-create projects, access international networks, and grow their businesses together. By pooling resources, expertise, and international reach, the Alliance aims to amplify impact while reducing barriers for organisations working across borders.
Founding Participants
The Alliance brings together a group of founding organisations spanning culture, design, technology, trade, wellness, travel, and creative production.
The Cultural Carrier Alliance will continue to welcome new members whose values and practices align with its mission, with the goal of developing an internationally connected and resilient cultural collaboration network.
Special Guest Contribution
The conference concluded with a keynote contribution from James Brodie, Regional Director, Scotland & Commercial Director, Industrial, China-Britain Business Council (CBBC).
His insights into UK–China cooperation, regional engagement, and the evolving relationship between culture and industry offered valuable perspectives on the opportunities and challenges facing international collaboration today.
