The Institute for Cultural Research
Official logo
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| Formation | 1965 |
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| Extinction | 2013 |
| Type | NGO, educational charity, publisher |
| Purpose | Thought, behaviour and culture |
| Headquarters | London, UK |
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Director of Studies
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Originally Idries Shah |
| Website | Official website |
The Institute for Cultural Research (ICR) was a London-based, UK-registered educational charity, events organizer and publisher which aimed to stimulate study, debate, education and research into all aspects of human thought, behaviour and culture. It brought together many distinguished speakers, writers and Fellows over the years.
A statement issued in 2013 by the institute on its official web site read: "As of summer 2013, the Institute has suspended its activities following the formation of a new charity, The Idries Shah Foundation."
The institute was founded in 1965 by the well-known writer, thinker and Sufi teacher Idries Shah to facilitate the dissemination of ideas, information and understanding between cultures. Its Objects and Regulations were officially first adopted on 21 January 1966. For some time based at Tunbridge Wells in Kent, it was later based in London. Shah acted as the Institute's Director of Studies whilst still alive.Nobel Prize-winning novelist Doris Lessing, who was influenced by Idries Shah, has also contributed to the Institute.
The Institute's stated aim was "to stimulate study, debate, education and research into all aspects of human thought, behaviour and culture" and to make the results of its members' academic work accessible to society and also to academics working in different fields.
The body, which had a number of distinguished Fellows, published several dozen academic monographs and some books over the years and held regular events. These events usually included a series of six lectures by specialists per year, and a two-day seminar which is usually held in the Autumn. The aim of these was "to connect ideas across disciplines, across cultures, and even through history" and to bring about a broader, more holistic understanding by looking at issues from several different perspectives, with particular interest in human thought and behaviour and issues neglected by contemporary culture.
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