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This thesis explores two different models in the use of cultural heritage as a medium for intercultural exchange. This role of cultural heritage is discussed under a larger political framework of intercultural dialogue as a policy approach in managing cultural diversity, with specific reference to the 2008 Council of Europe’s White Paper on Intercultural Dialogue. This policy approach is analysed here in terms of the goal in social cohesion and the liberal, procedural commitment in democracy towards cultural and value pluralism, with its relevance discussed in the context of Singapore, which claims an approach of ‘communitarianism’ upholding ‘Asian values’. Against the background of racism problems in Singapore, the staging and interpretation of Indian dance heritage in Singapore will be analysed between a transcultural and a multicultural model of intercultural dialogue, the former focusing on creative engagement to overcome differences in cultural identity, the latter focusing on mutual understanding and respect of differences. As part of the multicultural model, one will analyse cross-cultural interaction as ‘critical incidents’ based on the ‘Culture Assimilator’ method (otherwise known as the Intercultural Sensitizer) in intercultural communication training – which German social psychologist Alexander Thomas has repositioned in an intercultural competence framework aligned with systems theory. This framework will be adapted to discuss the aspects of open-mindedness and empathy in intercultural learning through cultural heritage, and to deconstruct cultural differences.