toward social inclusion of arts and cultural programs

Toward Social Inclusion of Arts and Cultural Programs in the City

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Toward Social Inclusion of Arts and Cultural Programs in the City Saad Aqeel Alzarooni 2009

Biography

Saad Aqeel Alzarooni Savannah College of Art and Design. U.S Master of Fine Arts in Design Management Research interests: Arts and Cultural Participation and Design for Social Change

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Contents

o Research Purpose

o Research Questions

o Key Concepts: Social Inclusion Social Exclusion

o Social Inclusion and Policy

o Value of Participation

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The study is a systematic attempt to explain the complexity of, and generate new perspectives for looking at the relationships between arts and diverse communities in the city from social inclusion perspective. In view of that, the purpose is to achieve deep understanding of social inclusion as necessary concept to maximize the community’s capacity for arts , cultural and recreational participation.

Purpose

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The arts and culture might have a potential role in social inclusion for two reasons: First, ‘taking part’ in the arts can be done actively, as artist, or passively, as audience. Secondly, participation in the arts has more appeal than some traditional forms of personal and community development. It is likely to be enjoyable as well as valuable in other ways.

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The study will be guided by the following broad research questions: 1. What do we mean by social inclusion as a concept? 2. How the concept has been used in policy and

program development? 3. What are the factors that facilitate collaborative work

between arts and community development concerns?

Research questions

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Social Inclusion

It is a concept that seeks to create the conditions for individuals to be included as a member of the community. (Akemi Tsukada, 2007). According to Guildford (2000), the term ‘inclusion’ is about being accepted and being able to participate fully within the context of family, community and society.

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People who are excluded from social and economic opportunities suffer directly, and are less productive, more dependent on social programs, and more likely to be involved in criminal and self destructive behavior.

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Social Inclusion is both an Efficiency and an Equity Issue

Social Exclusion

It covers lack of access to services, good social networks, decent housing, adequate information and support, and the ability to exercise basic rights. It affects both the quality of life of individuals and the equity and cohesion of society as a whole.’

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Social Exclusion Results From Multiple Challenges .

A combination of overlapping factors contribute to social exclusion. The more challenges a person faces, the more they are excluded from important activities and opportunities. (Todd Alexander Litman © 2006)

Low Income Geographic

Isolation

Physical or mental disability

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Social Inclusion and Policy

Policy Initiatives tend to take one or both of two forms:

1. Direct attempts to tackle particular types of exclusion,

as, for example, in job training schemes or housing renewal projects or health education programs.

2. Attempts to improve life chances by dealing with forms of exclusion that have effect into other areas of people’s lives, as, for example, in designing and supporting for voluntary activities, which fosters social skills, civic culture and community cohesion.

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The literature on promotion social inclusion focuses on interventions designed to build social capital, promote community wellbeing, and address social exclusion. The followings are examples of such interventions: 1. School-based programs for wellbeing 2. Social support 3. Volunteering 4. Media campaigns 5. Community arts programs

Interventions to increase Social Inclusion

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School-based Programs for Wellbeing

Much of this work is based on the concept of health promoting schools: 1. Strengthening life skills, 2. Fostering a supportive school environment 3. Encouraging partnerships between school and

community.

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Volunteering and Social Support

Volunteering provides structured opportunities for people to do voluntary work in their community, which is one aspect of civic participation and engagement. Social support is regarded as a ‘psychosocial intervention’, which is designed to modify behavior and create supportive environments.

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Media Campaigns and Community Arts Programs

Media campaigns are a social marketing intervention at the level of communities or populations. The media is a tool for advocacy and for strengthening community capacity and awareness. Community-based arts projects and initiatives are basically concerned with community participation. They are also an expression of civic participation.

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The Value of Participation

Encouraging participation in community activities has become a concern of public policy because it is thought to bring many individual, community, and economic benefits. 1. increase individuals’ personal development; 2. attract people who otherwise might not be attracted

to participate in community activities; 3. improve an area’s image; 4. attract economic investment; 5. help in the process of community development; and 6. lead to training and employment.

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http://www.activecommunities.org.uk/

London Active Communities

Conclusion

The final paper is intended to highlight some of the main conceptual, contextual and policy issues surrounding social inclusion. It is likely to raise more questions than answers on the role of arts and culture in promoting social cohesion in the city.

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