Context: Karnataka capital Bengaluru has achieved a significant milestone by becoming the first Indian city to join the prestigious World Cities Culture Forum (WCCF).

Key highlights

• The World Cities Culture Forum (WCCF) is a global network of cities that collaboratively research and share intelligence to explore the important role of culture in shaping future prosperity.

• With 40 member cities already in its portfolio, Bengaluru becomes the 41st member of the forum. The city’s inclusion was attributed to its dedication to an inclusive and globalized culture.

• In the past year, the cultural essence of Bengaluru has been showcased through multimedia assets by WCCF as part of a collaborative project called 'Unboxing Bangalore'.

• The WCCF will collaborate with the Unboxing BLR Foundation, and together, they plan to organize a ‘city festival’ to facilitate the exchange of cultural learning as part of the forum’s global outreach.

• Bengaluru is seen as a microcosm of the new aspirational India, showcasing a vibrant design and theatre community, numerous museums, and a cosmopolitan food culture, which will be highlighted and structurally presented through the WCCF platform.

World Cities Culture Forum (WCCF)

• WCCF was established in 2012.

• Justin Simmons, the Deputy Mayor of London for Culture and Creative Industries, was instrumental in its setting up.

• In 2015, Queen Elizabeth recognized Justin Simmons' significant contribution to culture in London.

• As a token of appreciation, Justin Simmons was awarded the Order of the British Empire (OBE).

About Bengaluru

• Known as the 'Silicon Valley of India', Bengaluru has more than 30 government and private museums. Notably, in 2019, India's first interactive music museum was inaugurated, and later in February 2020, the Museum of Art and Photography (MAP) opened, becoming the first major private art museum in South India.

• At the core of Bengaluru's vibrant intellectual and cultural exchange is the Bengaluru International Centre, established in 2019 within a 20,000 sq ft renovated industrial warehouse. Another hub of creativity is the Bangalore Creative Circus, which acts as an urban living laboratory.

• Bengaluru serves as a major centre for film production, especially hosting the Kannada film industry which produces over 100 films annually. In addition, the city has a rich musical heritage, which includes North Indian (Hindustani) and South Indian (Karnataka) classical music.

• Living up to its title as the "Garden City of India", Bengaluru is adorned with many green spaces, notably the nationally acclaimed Botanic Garden, Lal Bagh and Cubbon Park. These green areas add to the natural charm and beauty of the city.