Module 5

Developing International
Collaborations and Creative
Partnerships

Introduction

The future of cultural heritage is ultimately reliant on developing creative partnerships and effective collaborations at the local, national and international scale. This workshop will examine examples of such collaboration and will explore the challenges and opportunities of trans-national and trans-sectoral partnerships as a means of ongoing learning and future developments in the field of managing heritage. 

Context

International collaborations, creative partnerships, cross-sectoral networks, trans-national exchange, knowledge transfer, co-creation, interdisciplinary innovation, sustainability, capacity-building, audience engagement, cultural diplomacy, heritage management, learning and development, adaptive strategies, resilience.

Content

Key Discussion Points:

1. International Collaborations and Creative Partnerships

  • Develop cross-border collaborations and creative partnerships that bring together heritage organisations, artists, designers, and cultural institutions to foster innovation, knowledge exchange, and global recognition.
  • Leverage partnerships to co-create exhibitions, events, or products that enhance cultural narratives and expand audience reach, while ensuring that the heritage values and authenticity of all partners are respected.
  • Navigate differences in cultural norms, legal frameworks, and organisational priorities to maintain trust, coherence, and mutual benefit in international collaborations.
  • Encourage creative experimentation and interdisciplinary approaches that can revitalise heritage interpretation, while mitigating the risk of over-commercialisation or cultural misrepresentation.

2. Challenges and Opportunities in Trans-National and Trans-Sectoral Partnerships

  • Use cross-sectoral partnerships (heritage, tourism, education, creative industries) to access resources, expertise, and innovation that support long-term sustainability and public engagement.
  • Recognise challenges such as differing governance structures, funding mechanisms, intellectual property rights, and communication styles, which require negotiation, flexibility, and clear agreements.
  • Transform challenges into opportunities for shared learning, professional development, and knowledge transfer across countries, sectors, and disciplines.
  • Foster resilience and adaptability in heritage organisations by engaging in partnerships that enable experimentation, benchmarking, and co-creation of best practices for future development.

3. Continuous Learning and Strategic Development

  • Integrate lessons learned from international and cross-sector collaborations into organisational strategies to inform decision-making, programming, and audience engagement.
  • Develop frameworks for evaluating partnership outcomes, including cultural impact, economic benefits, capacity-building, and visitor experiences.
  • Encourage a culture of ongoing professional development, networking, and dialogue to sustain creative innovation and ensure that heritage organisations remain responsive to global trends.
  • Use partnerships as platforms for testing new technologies, storytelling approaches, and heritage management practices that can be adapted locally and scaled internationally.

Resources

Rethinking Heritage Futures, Online Workshop “Developing International Collaborations and Creative Partnerships”, 24 June 2025, Nottingham Trent University (NTU), Communication University of China (CUC).

Part 1

Case Studies

UNESCO
Local
to Global Programme


Liam Smyth

Bridging
Cultures.
Series of International Exchange Programmes

Guo Jiaqiang

The Heritage Network UK

Beth Crockett

Promote Museum’s
Culture Communication
at Local and Global Communication

Jin Xuetao

Further Resources

Bibliography

Klein, M., 2020. Cross-Sector Partnerships for Innovation and Growth. Journal of Cultural Management, 12(2), pp.45–61.

Žuvela, A., 2023. Partnerships in Heritage Governance and Management. International Journal of Heritage Studies, 29(4), pp.411–427.

KPMG, 2025. Building Public-Private Synergies for Heritage Conservation. KPMG Insights.

European Commission, 2023. Cross-Sectoral Strand – Culture and Creativity. Brussels: European Commission.

European Commission, 2025. Culture and Creativity Sectors and Industries. Brussels: European Commission.

ICCROM, 2022. Partnerships. [online] Available at: https://www.iccrom.org 

UNESCO, 2025. UNESCO and ICOM Strengthen Global Museum Collaboration. [online] Available at: https://www.unesco.org.

Climate Heritage Network, 2022. Empowering People to Imagine and Realise Climate Resilient Futures Through Culture. Available at: https://www.climateheritage.org.

World Monuments Fund, 2021. Looking to the Future: Global Challenges to Cultural Heritage Preservation. [online] Available at: https://www.wmf.org.

Museum with No Frontiers, 2024. International Non-Profit Organisation. [online] Available at: https://www.museumwnf.org.

UNESCO Transcultura Programme, 2025. Twinnings and Cultural Partnerships. [online] Available at: https://www.unesco.org.

Horizon Europe, 2025. Co-funded European Partnership for Resilient Cultural Heritage. Brussels: European Commission.

Benin Dialogue Group, 2025. International Working Group for Restitution of Cultural Heritage to Nigeria. Available at: https://www.beningroup.org.

Charter Alliance, 2024. Securing an Innovative and Enterprising Heritage Sector. [online] Available at: https://www.charteralliance.org.