Haring Woods Consultant Benjamin Barber speaks at the Barbican as part of British Council’s 75th anniversary 4 November 2009
Patriotism, Autonomy or Subversion? The role of the arts in democratic change
In his lecture Ben Barber urged the democratic state to promote alternatives to a heavily commercialised, monochrome artistic climate. His animated and at times controversial address, explored the history and relationship between the arts and democracy, culminating in the long-raging question - can or should the arts be a driver for social change?
Joined by a panel of leading cultural commentators and arts practitioners, including Turner Prize winning artist Grayson Perry, comedian Natalie Haynes, Paul Heritage of People's Palace Projects and chaired by BBC Arts Correspondent Razia Iqbal, Ben discussed whether an industry goal of instrumentality would be an act of patriotism, autonomy or subversion.
Ben's talk was part of the British Council's 75th anniversary. Activities to celebrate this special anniversary include a programme of events and sharing of inspirational stories. By hearing from people around the world who have been involved with our work and enhancing our existing cultural relations activities, our 75th anniversary programme aims to help more people to benefit from our cultural relations work in the UK and globally.
Eileen Woods, Senior Partner and Artistic Director for Haring Woods Studio with writer Paul Shepheard at the pre-talk reception
BBC Arts Correspondent Razia Iqbal with Eileen Woods and Haring Woods Seinor Consultant Jan-Gustav Strandenaes
Benjamin R. Barber is a Walt Whitman Professor Emeritus at Rutgers University, a Distinguished Senior Fellow at Demos, and President and Director of the international NGO CivWorld at Demos, and its annual Interdependence Day event. An internationally renowned political theorist, Dr Barber brings an abiding concern for democracy and citizenship to issues of politics, culture and education in America and abroad. He consults regularly with political and civic leaders in the United States and around the world. Benjamin Barber's 17 books include the classic Strong Democracy and the international best-seller Jihad vs. McWorld, which has been translated into twenty languages. Barber's honours include a knighthood from the French government and the Berlin Prize of the American Academy of Berlin.
The Green Heart Partnership, managed by Haring Woods, has appointed Proboscis to work with them and Hertfordshire County Council to deliver a county-wide Perception AREA project to inform a new Community Cohesion Strategy.
Steve McLean is a producer, curator and filmmaker, experienced at working with 'hard to reach' groups. He has joined the Haring Woods team to create and drive cultural strategies that seek to include youth, and other marginalised groups.
Eileen Woods, Senior Partner and Artistic Director for Haring Woods Studio with writer 
BBC Arts Correspondent Razia Iqbal with Eileen Woods and Haring Woods Seinor Consultant Jan-Gustav Strandenaes
