Banking on World Heritage

Banking on World Heritage, a first-of-its-kind exhibition, was held at the Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts (IGNCA) in New Delhi from 30 June to 9 July. It was conceptualised and curated by Ms Rukmini Dahanukar, an independent research scholar under her proprietary research, ‘Money Talks’, that unfolds the untold story of banknote art and design from around the world.

Celebrating the theme ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’ under India’s G20 presidency for the year, the exhibition showcased large-size replicas of banknotes from the member nations featuring UNESCO World Heritage sites. The theme translates as ‘One Earth · One Family · One Future’, perfectly fitting with UNESCO’s ‘Outstanding Universal Values of World Heritage.’ This presentation was even more special as it coincided with the celebration of India’s 75th year of independence, along with the UNESCO World Heritage Convention’s 50th year.

According to Ms Dahanukar, the idea behind the exhibition was twofold. First, to recognise everyday objects like banknotes and appreciate their cultural value in shaping our lives. And second, to acknowledge the importance of our heritage from around the world and strive to make conscious tourism and conservation efforts.

The exhibition was inaugurated by the Minister of State for External Affairs and Culture India, Meenakshi Lekhi, who said: ‘each day of my life, I feel it’s worth living because I learn something new. Exposure to currency notes is very different; this perspective is unique and new. World Heritage is something we all relate to, and even though there are a lot of things that divide us, our shared culture is something which connects us globally.’ 

The inauguration was followed by a panel discussion. One of the panellists was Ashish Chandra of De La Rue India, who noted that ‘banknotes are the most loved and trusted products in the world, with design playing a very important role and every note has a unique story behind its design’.

The exhibition was well attended by ambassadors, officials and dignitaries. IGNCA also organised art workshops through the week with students from Jamia Milia Islamia, Delhi College of Art, Navyug School and Mayo college, to name a few. Dahanukar personally conducted an introductory curatorial session for the young minds to appreciate the artistic elements and historical documentation on banknotes. The best artworks were awarded special prizes.

Rukmini Dahanukar said that this unique presentation of banknotes provides an insight into the art, design, history, heritage, culture and symbolism combined with high-end security. The beauty is that every banknote showcases its cultural value irrespective of its economic value. This is her effort to present the same to all the users of banknotes from across the world. She concluded by saying that it’s time for the world to listen when ‘Money Talks.’