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Cultural Activism
“And finally, we should look closely at how Group Material frames the term ‘democracy’ with three words education participation and politics.
These words, combined with an expanded notion of cultural production, suggest a new form of social engagement - less arrogant, less exclusive, a culture that is not made by the few but by the many.
Democracy demands an active participation and this can only be achieved today with renewed cultural activism…”
Brian Wallis
‘Democracy and Cultural Activism’
Democracy. Discussions in contemporary culture no.5.
"Over a decade ago it was words like this that energised my personal views on the role of public art, and they still do. And over a decade later the call for a renewed cultural activism has never been more pertinent, so where is it? It’s all around us of course but the irony for me is this feels more like a popular right wing cultural activism far from my idealistic left wing aspirations.
"In the ever tightening embrace of the worst global recession in decades we still seem to be hung up on not being able to see past the concept of product when we think about the arts and culture. Not surprising I suppose as we, and I include myself here, have all become junkies in a consumerist market where product rules. When New Labour buried the term socialism UK society seemed to loose the word social and with it the act of acting socially, they put the final nail into that coffin Margaret Thatcher had strategically constructed, the end of community.
"Maybe this recession will be a wake up call, if so can we look forward to a more people focused time that moves beyond the product of celebrity? Don’t hold your breath but here’s a thought – its not art or culture alone that brings about social change its people who work with the arts and culture that, working with other people outside of the arts and cultural industries together create social change.
"In the past political activists have suggested that a meaningful democracy would involve a popular takeover of decision making in the essential institutions. However, no single piece of public art will achieve this, no performance in the park will achieve this, people have to do this and success relies on a collective approach. Furthermore suggesting a popular take over of decision making is one thing but doing it is quite another.
"I believe that it is here artists and cultural entrepreneurs have a very real role to play, this is the new arena for socially committed cultural activists who through creativity offer a less arrogant and less exclusive conduit for change; a cultural activism that facilitates an environment of creativity within a bureaucratic environment. These environments are governed by rules, regulations and law, an established infrastructure there to protect us but inevitably stifling creativity, smothering the process of questioning and blocking progress.
We need a radical re-think and shift on how our essential institutions are making decisions, so how do we do that? Simple, stop drinking the water and find another well. I leave you with a bed time story:
The Wise King
Once there ruled in the distant city of Wirani a king who was both mighty and wise. And he was feared for his might and loved for his wisdom.
Now, in the heart of the city was a well whose water was cool and crystalline, from which all the inhabitants drank, even the king and his courtiers, for there was no other well.
One night when all were asleep, a witch entered the city, and poured seven drops of strange liquid into the well and said “from this hour he who drinks this water shall become mad”.
Next morning all the inhabitants, save the king and his lord chamberlain, drank from the well and become mad, even as the witch had foretold.
And during the day the people in the narrow streets and in the market place did naught but whisper to one another, “The king is mad. Our king and his lord chamberlain have lost there reason. Surely we cannot be ruled by a mad king. We must dethrone him”.
That evening the king ordered a golden goblet to be filled from the well. And when it was brought to him, he drank deeply, and gave it to his lord chamberlain to drink.
And there was rejoicing in the city of Wirani, because the king and his lord chamberlain had regained their reason.
Gibrani Kahil
The Madman: his parables and poems
London, October 2009
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