Manchester Museum has entered a partnership with Science Gallery Bengaluru focused on creating opportunities for young people and tackling shared challenges around biodiversity and nature.
The two organisations signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) during an event at Science Gallery Bengaluru, attended by Professor Duncan Ivison, President and Vice-Chancellor of The University of Manchester, and Bev Craig OBE, Mayor of Greater Manchester.
Key collaboration areas
Manchester Museum will draw on Science Gallery Bengaluru's Mentorship Initiative to develop innovative programmes for young people focused on learning, mentorship and creative pathways. Science Gallery Bengaluru's Nature Lab will collaborate with Manchester Museum's conservation initiatives to create a two-way bridge between biodiversity research and public engagement.
Esme Ward, Director of Manchester Museum, said the partnership builds on shared purpose between the institutions. "Bengaluru is a city driven by creativity and innovation, where there's a tangible sense of care for the natural world and a commitment to creating opportunities for future generations," Ward said.
Dr Jahnavi Phalkey, Director of Science Gallery Bengaluru, said the partnership offers a valuable point of connection between the institutions and an opportunity to learn from each other.
Building on existing work
The partnership builds on Manchester Museum's award-winning South Asia Gallery, developed in partnership with the British Museum. It is the first permanent gallery in the UK to celebrate the experiences and contribution of the South Asian diaspora. Manchester Museum has also previously partnered with the Indian Music Experience Museum in Bangalore on the RhythmXChange project, which explored rhythm as a shared language with young musicians from India and the UK.
The partnership was established as part of the Greater Manchester Mission to India. The University of Manchester also announced plans for a new centre in Bengaluru during the mission, focusing on education, research and innovation to address shared challenges and create opportunities for students and researchers in India.