Lia Ghilardi summarizes the methodology Intercult focused on in our process of finding and implementing a changemaking methodology for work at our organisation.
Here we would like to present the methodology to our partners and audience in Sweden, included the decision makers providing funding to culture in Sweden.
The methodology is engaging artists creating participatory events in local communities on the burning subjects which are especially valid for people living in those communities.
At Intercult we re-directed the work of our organisations to capacity-building projects projects taking up subjects like cultural heritage, climate changes, gender, culture on waterfronts, digital tools for performing arts. In all projects we are now working closely with connected artists and artistic interventions, both local and international. The projects create opportunities for artists to participate in a broad range of activities. This methodology is somewhat behind in Sweden compared to other European countries where the financing goes to organisations supporting and promoting artists instead of directly to individual artist. As Lia Ghilardi summarises, during the webinar it was often repeated that artists act as a megaphone for the community, but we shouldn’t expect artists to solve the structural (often intractable) problems of our society. The people themselves have their expertise and knowledge of a place; they know instinctively where the solution lies, and so artists can help communities to shift agency away from institutions back to the people, who in turn can create meaningful change. Art practice tactics, as has often being said, are ‘the acupuncture point’ for the artist to steer, guide and build the conversation between the local community and decision makers. If the tactic makes a compelling point, then those in charge will have to listen.
You can read Lia Ghilardi's summary here