Human Library nominated for Bridging Cultures Award

In London on November 26th the Human Library has been shortlisted at the Awards for Bridging Cultures. Hosted by the Institute for Community Cohesion and funded by the Baring Foundation, the ABCs seek to reward grass roots, community and voluntary organisation for local schemes and projects which promote intercultural dialogue and understanding. The awards will also reward public and private sector organisations for initiating and supporting such schemes.

Why is this important? 

The increasing pace and scale of globalisation is reflected in the increasing diversity of local communities. It is essential that society creates opportunities which bring people from different backgrounds together to learn about, interact with and critically review their own and other people's cultures.  Over time this can help to achieve cultural change by building understanding and awareness.  It can also help to promote trust and respect. 

The Baring Foundation has gone about their quiet business of doing good since 1969, but this is the first year the Awards for Bridging Cultures is launched. The Human Library has come into consideration due to the work carried out in London and around the United Kingdom, especially the Local Human Library project initiated by UK expert pool members Kevin Harris and Linda Constable.

Honors and awards.

Since the launch in 2000 the Human Library has been fortunate to recieve different recognitions and awards. In its first year, it won the Event of the Year Award in Denmark. Since then Austria, Australia, Netherlands and more have recognised the innovative approach of this event. Read more about the past awards HERE.