“Arts as a force for social change”. Summary of Intercult methodology and learnings in Gdansk, 7_07_2021
What have we learned and what can be applied to the practice of other organizations
-to distinguish the huge variety of methods and approaches that used all to be lumped under one umbrella called community arts.
-there is a new type of community arts emerging that has a deeper understanding of the role of the artist (Mattaraso, 2017)
-rather than “methods” that can be repeated like a recipe in different contexts, there are certain ingredients, the presence of which in the hands of artists will expertise, can deliver social change.
-the artistic intervention is like an acupuncture point: it has huge power, but artists cannot deliver social change alone. Artists must be supported by activists in the community, academics, policy makers, politicians, planners and funders! This work is so much more than the performance or the artwork (the bits that funders will pay for)
What have we learned and what can be applied to the practice of other organizations
It is a huge work to gain trust from the community. You cannot take a formula. Every time you need something new
It is not so much a plan of an artistic intervention but a vision ( a firefly) of an artist which becomes a story.
Storytelling –again an important key element to use
- Difference between the 1980´s and now all was then unfunded and ignored, gathered under an umbrella of community arts. Now it is an important piece of work with culture but the processes of empowering, engaging communities and international collaboration is still unfunded. What is funded is the only piece of art itself. How can we change that ? Create connectors between policy makers and artists!
For Intercult: enhancement of creative expression in the next generation of the cultural activities
Ideas for how to build bridges and develop social capital of other organizations in your community:
— consistently look outside of yourself and your already established collaborations
— stay in touch with trends and current affairs to see what is relevant
— be generous: supporting others who are doing well in their communities is an investment in your own growth
— be discerning: identify your own core values so that you can recruit those whose values are aligned into your network
— identify resources and opportunities which can address other organizations' needs, not just your own
— ensure your relationships are meaningful by getting to know other organizations and their needs personally
- sustainability- use the methodology in your projects