We want to showcase cream of Oz culture

Peter Varghese took over as Australian High Commissioner to India in August 2009. He is a career officer of Australia’s department of foreign affairs and trade, which he joined in 1979. ET caught up wih him in Kolkata. Excerpts:

Tell us Australia’s plans on the cultural front with India?

Both countries need to know a lot more about each other, because the image we have is dated. Australians are still to get a full picture of modern India, especially its economic dynamism. Equally, many Indians would probably like to get a better idea of what Australia is all about, particularly its multi-culturalism.

So, what are you charting out to provide a better insight into Australian culture and bring the two countries closer in this sphere?

We want to bring some of the cream of Australian culture. For instance, a modern dance company, an exhibition of aboriginal art, Australian writers and musicians, including jazz artistes. In the same breath, we would also like to take out to Australia, Indian journalists and leaders in the Indian cultural community to help them get a glimpse of modern Australia. This cultural programme will unfold in 2012 when India will the focus of Australia. The entire event will spread over a period of 12 months in the calender year.

Have you already begun initiating some cultural projects in India?

Yes, we have. We have recently had an Australian film fest in Mumbai, Chennai and New Delhi. We have also had a tour by two classical musicians, the Gregorian Brothers and by the Didgeridoo musicians. A photographic exhibition was also fielded, titled, All of Us, a compilation of photos of multicultural faces in Australia, showing people living in Australia from all parts of the world. In Kolkata, we have had a heritage project running between Australia and India. It revolves around sharing our expertise on the preservation of heritage buildings in Calcutta.

Does the arts sphere draw funding support in Australia?

The Australia Council is the umbrella arts funding organisation in Australia. It extends financial support for the arts across the board, including major museums and galleries.