A PLEASURE GARDEN FOR THE 21ST CENTURY

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Aleena Baksh
​Research, Analysis & Documentation

West Bengal is noted for its cultural activities and presence of cultural and educational institutions; the state capital Kolkata is known as the "cultural capital of India". The state's cultural heritage, besides varied folk traditions, ranges from stalwarts in literature including Nobel-laureate Rabindranath Tagore to scores of musicians, film-makers and artists.

Simon then met the Finance Minister of the West Bengal Government, where he was shown a possible site for delivering Garden of Ideas.

Simon Elliott was invited to present at TILE India (Trends in Leisure and Entertainment) conference at the Radisson Blu Banjara Hills Hotel in Hyderabad.

The aim of the conference was to bring together industry leaders and a panel of experts to examine the unique characteristics of India’s 'experience economy' (Galleries, Museums, Theme Parks, Theatres).

Peter Kyle OBE (formerly Executive Director at Shakespeare’s Globe)
Peter has a distinguished international career in the arts and cultural sector that spans dance, arts management and education roles. He led the development of Shakespeare’s Globe as Chief Executive for 12 years until November 2010. Peter also served on the boards of the Shakespeare Globe Centres in America, Canada, New Zealand, Australia, Germany and Japan. He received an OBE for services to drama in the 2011 New Year’s Honours. Peter founded the National Festival of Youth Dance and the National Youth Dance Company. He was part of the team that founded the National Festival of Youth Theatre. In Scotland he was Chief Executive of The Scottish Ballet, and later Chairman of the Centre for Contemporary Arts, where he lead the bid for a successful £9.4 million application to the National Lottery.