The Outgoing Cultural Delegation (OCD) Division manages artistes empanelment, cultural delegations, festivals, travel grants, and other international cultural initiatives undertaken by ICCR.

ICCR empanels artistes in three categories: Proficient, Established, and Outstanding.

Empanelment applies to both individual artistes and cultural troupes, subject to meeting ICCR's prescribed eligibility and selection criteria.

Indian nationals aged 18 years and above who have specialisation in the particular art field are eligible to apply for empanelment as artistes or groups.

ICCR invites applications for empanelment as and when required through notifications on its official website. There is no fixed annual schedule for empanelment.

Although empanelment under ICCR is granted for lifetime, it is subject to periodic review, compliance with ICCR guidelines, and maintenance of active registration records.

The empanelment application is downloaded online from ICCR's website and can be submitted either online via email or offline via postal mail.

Yes, artistes must be at least 18 years old to apply. There is no upper age limit as long as they are actively performing and capable of participating in programmes.

Yes, artistes may apply in more than one discipline or art form. A separate application with the prescribed documents and performance recordings must be submitted for each category.

Yes, an artiste may be empanelled both as an individual performer and as a member of a troupe, subject to fulfilling the eligibility criteria and application requirements for each category.

Yes, artistes or troupes who are not selected may reapply in future empanelment cycles, subject to ICCR's eligibility criteria and application guidelines.

While ICCR does not maintain official statistics on application trends by art form, classical, folk, contemporary music and dance are generally among the most commonly represented disciplines in the empanelment process.

ICCR strives to provide fair opportunities to both emerging and established artistes through its empanelment and programme selection processes. Selections are based on merit, suitability, and programme requirements.

ICCR assesses the success of a cultural programme based on audience response, quality of performance, cultural impact, and feedback received from partner organisations and Indian Missions abroad.

ICCR's popular cultural initiatives include international cultural festivals, Indian dance and music performances, International Day of Yoga celebrations, cultural exchange programmes, scholarships, academic exchange programmes and art residencies that promote Indian culture globally.

ICCR collaborates with Missions/Posts abroad by sponsoring empanelled artistes and providing programme support. The Missions/Posts coordinate local hospitality, audience outreach, and venue arrangements to ensure the success of cultural events and festivals.

Applicants must submit the prescribed application form along with:

• CV and photographs
• Performance recordings
• Proof of identity
• Other relevant supporting documents

Additional certificates, awards, and experience records may be required depending on the category of empanelment.

ICCR follows a three-tier empanelment process involving a Screening Committee, Expert Committee, and Selection Committee. Applications are evaluated on the basis of performance recordings, artiste credentials, experience, achievements, and supporting documents submitted by the artistes or troupe.

ICCR promotes diversity by representing a wide range of Indian art forms and liaising with state governments, while also giving opportunities to artistes from under-represented, rural, and remote areas of the country, often in collaboration with State Governments.

Countries are selected based on requests received from Indian Missions/Posts abroad under the Annual Plan of Action, cultural exchange commitments, VVIP/VIP visits, international event invitations, and other special occasions or celebrations.

ICCR regularly sponsors classical, folk, theatre, modern dance, and music groups for international cultural programmes. Selection is based on programme requirements, with opportunities provided to both renowned masters and emerging artistes from across India.

Empanelled artistes and groups may be considered for ICCR-sponsored cultural performances, festivals, and cultural exchange programmes in India and abroad. Opportunities arise throughout the year, subject to programme requirements, ICCR's selection process, and the completion of any applicable cooling-off period.

ICCR organises cultural programmes throughout the year in India and abroad under Cultural Exchange Programmes, festivals, and special events. More than 160 cultural groups travel abroad annually in recent years under its international cultural outreach initiatives.

Yes, an empanelled group may be repeated in exceptional cases based on programme request, performance reports, requirement of the Mission/Post and demand for a particular genre. Preference is given to first-time and upcoming artistes. The cooling-off period of the artiste is also taken into consideration.

Key opportunities include strengthening India's cultural diplomacy, expanding global cultural partnerships, providing greater international exposure to Indian artistes and cultural groups, and offering international audiences and artists a platform to experience, understand, and learn about India's rich cultural heritage.