“Our projects focus on empowering communities, preserving heritage, and creating spaces for connection, creativity, and opportunity.” 

Silk Road Cultural Heritage Initiative

Hosted by CROGGI CIC (UK)

Programme Overview

The Silk Road Cultural Heritage Initiative is a long-term programme exploring how culture, craftsmanship, ideas, and trade historically travelled along the Silk Road, and how these exchanges continue to shape societies today.

This initiative examines cultural exchange from both Western and Eastern perspectives, creating opportunities for shared learning, storytelling, and collaborative creative projects. By connecting communities along the Silk Road, the programme highlights the enduring impact of culture and trade on society.

The first research phase will focus on the Lingnan region of the Greater Bay Area, a region historically and contemporarily significant for cultural exchange, innovation, and trade.

Stage 1 – Research & Feasibility Pilot: Lingnan / Greater Bay Area

Focus Areas:

• Identify and establish cultural partners, including artisans, craft studios, performers, and community organisations

• Explore hands-on cultural experiences: Chaoshan embroidery, Guangcai porcelain, seal carving, tea culture, Tai Chi in the park, Yingge dance, and more

• Investigate modern innovation and creative industry hubs to link tradition with contemporary practice

• Document experiences using video, photography, and written reporting

• Evaluate logistics, safety, and risk considerations
  
  

Key Outputs:

• Feasibility report for small-group cultural exchange programmes

• Identified partners and workshop venues

• Risk, logistics, and safety analysis

• Documentation suitable for cultural storytelling, exhibitions, talks, and digital media
  
  

Long-Term Vision:

Silk Road Journeys is the first project under the Silk Road Cultural Heritage Initiative. Future projects may explore additional regions historically connected through the Silk Road, highlighting the diversity of traditions, crafts, and creative innovation across different societies.

Foundations & Credibility

CROGGI CIC – Community Interest Company (UK)

CROGGI CIC, registered in August 2025, is dedicated to delivering projects for public and cultural benefit. All profits are legally reinvested into initiatives that support communities.

Track Record & Partnerships:

• Delivered Tea & Talk cultural and discussion sessions via D-Circle (Decentra Circle Website) since October 2025, offering creative exploration, crafts, and cultural tasting in a community setting

• Pilot testing of Life Spice menus with positive feedback

• Strong connections to local cultural partners, international contacts, and experience in project coordination (International Friends, supporters, collaborators of Decentra Circle)
  
  

Team & Roles:

Role Responsibility

Director (Lead) Project management, funding applications, coordination with international partners

Experiential / Risk Analyst Assess workshop and travel risks, document participant experiences; age-appropriate candidates required

Admin / Expenses Officer Budget tracking, reporting, logistics management

Local Partners (China) Sourcing venues, guiding participants, introducing cultural experiences

Risk Management:

• Delayed flights or transport interruptions

• Emergency accommodation or travel

• Safety procedures during workshops, performances, and public activities

• Documentation and monitoring by a dedicated risk assessor
  
  

Outputs & Public Value:

• Feasibility report

• Identified cultural partners

• Risk, logistics, and safety evaluation

• Media and documentation for wider dissemination
  
  

International & Long-Term Perspective:

• Pilot in Lingnan is the first step of a multi-region Silk Road Cultural Heritage Initiative

• Builds on D-Circle’s network and expertise (Decentra Circle Website)

• Provides measurable outputs and foundations for scalable international programmes
  
  

Credibility Summary:

Even with less than a year of operation, CROGGI CIC demonstrates:

• Legal compliance and CIC governance

• Proven ability to deliver community projects through D-Circle partnership

• Structured project management and team roles

• Thoughtful risk and budget management

• Tangible outputs and measurable public benefit

• A strong foundation for long-term, scalable international programmes
  
  

• Programme Structure Diagram

Silk Road Cultural Heritage Initiative (CROGGI CIC)

│

├── Stage 1: Lingnan Research Pilot

│   ├─ Feasibility study

│   ├─ Identify cultural partners

│   ├─ Hands-on workshops & experiences

│   ├─ Risk/logistics assessment

│   └─ Documentation (video, photography, reports)

│

├── Stage 2: Cultural Ambassador Pilot

│   ├─ Small group (10 participants)

│   ├─ Cultural immersion & documentation

│   ├─ Creation of educational & media content

│   └─ Test small-group programme logistics

│

└── Stage 3: Public Cultural Programme

   ├─ Exhibitions & workshops

   ├─ Digital content, documentaries, social media

   ├─ Public talks & educational resources

   └─ Expansion to other Silk Road regions (Central China, Central Asia, beyond)

Diagram Notes:

• Top level: Umbrella initiative (serious fundable programme)

• Stage 1: Fully fundable research pilot

• Stage 2: Small pilot group, producing outputs for wider audience

• Stage 3: Full programme, educational/media outputs, scalable to multiple Silk Road regions

How do we keep enjoying traditions such as this Hand Carved Mahjong game?