CIV

IL

SO

CIE

TY

Cultural Institutions Tomorrow:

“civil society”

government

business

civil society

The capacity of ordinary people to shape and bring

collective benefit to the society, daily lives and future prospects of themselves and

others

characteristics of robust civil society• People – “us”• Organic: done by us, not for us – “ours”• Diverse and inclusive• Empowered, self-directed, self-reliant• Active, participative, collaborative• Empathic, generous, pro-social, sharing• Aware of cultural identity and of the wider

world• Generational

“cultural institution”

old archetype 1876

new archetype 1997

has anything really

changed?

3. box

2. things

1. people

not theoretical :“mass markets, audiences, visitors, users, human factors, footfall, consumers, buyers, demographics, safety limits, C2DEs…etc”

but real :themselves, plain-old, complicated, varied, single, in groups, as active, participants, producers, owners, creators, partners, making their own transformative

journey

cultural institutions = civil society?• One element in a much bigger process• Holding a mirror up to ourselves and our world

= awareness, empathy, pride, responsibility, capability

• “A tool for self-expression, self-recognition” • “Where people find meaning and value”• Agent of community well-being• Shared, cohesive space–Generational–Participative–Contemplative

designing for civil society outcomes• Cultural connection, recognition of place, context• Shared ownership of the thinking, process, voice• Inclusive, accessible, regular• Prompting ideas, questions, dialogue• “Safe” space for learning, discussion and debate• Places to hang out - social• Opportunities to contribute• Making people part of the subject story• Good for young people (not just children)

you…

Respectful

Nurturing

Connecting

Attuned

Impresario

Mentoring

Including

Learning

Visionary Ego-free

Empowering

Collaborator

LeadingCreating

Articulating

Dogged

thank you

RCH February 2012