We have been engaging in discussions about the role of art and culture through dialogues, small facebook interactions, television discussions, radio talkshows, with limited time and sometimes space – but now here we are with such an option of deeply and further engaging in what we know best that its the contributing key to cultural, social and economic development – Culture.

Lets take it from here for Uganda and lessons from other countries.

The question here is:

What do you think would be the impact of Arts and Culture to the development in Uganda?

Let us hear your voice, enter your comments below !!!

Background

From February to May 2009, Bayimba Cultural Foundation presented to the general public and the arts sector in Uganda a series of discussions about the Role of Arts and Culture in Society. During these discussions, the role of arts and culture in society, the role of arts in development, the role of the public and private sector in supporting arts as well as the role of the media in developing arts were discussed.

During the discussions, panellists and public defined and discussed culture and arts from their perspective. Opinions were aired, comments were made and questions were raised.

Summary of topics discussed during previous discussions

The Role of Arts and Culture in Society

Culture is continuously changing in step with changing social processes while at the same time constituting a common point of reference to a society. Culture can be viewed as the collective habits of thinking and acting that give particular meanings to the existence of individuals, a group or a society as a whole. These two functions make culture a relevant and powerful factor in (shaping) society.

Arts is the visible expressions of culture. It was discussed that arts can be defined as a way of articulating cultural memories. However, not to imprison us in the past but to free us from the traps of habits. This is a transformative process.

If people are given a chance to question the meaning of arts, they typically assume that “art” applies to those things or activities that exist or happen in places like theatres, museums and galleries. Many people will say they have no art or culture in their communities, simply because they don’t have cultural venues. It was noted that creativity can be found in every aspect of life and society – creativity is not restricted to artists. Creativity of the individual needs stimulation and encouragement and arts can play a role in this.

Arts and Development

Arts are being used to encompass all disciplines of performing and visual arts. It was understood that arts create and bring awareness to people because of its powerful means of presenting truth about humankind that can not be expressed in any other way. Arts also connect people by presenting an idea that everyone can relate to in a universal way. However, the awareness that comes from arts will only lead to changes in society if people take action based on the ideas they discover in arts.

So, arts have the power to contribute to better societies but there are several steps involved. Arts must reach the public, people must appreciate the value of arts and people need to start changing their behaviour as a result of confrontation with arts. First step is therefore to make arts available (and accessible?) to the public if arts were to have any impact on society.

Supporting Arts – Whose Role?

Arts sector in developed countries are a key sector that contributes to economic and social development. The arts sector needs to be supported to reach this level – a vision for a sustainable creative arts industry needs to be in place and creative minds and creativity in general need to be supported.

It was stated that support is needed, though the question is whether public and private sector are ready to invest in arts sector. To obtain government support, a clear argumentation will need to be presented to the government, else the static interpretation of culture and arts will continue to prevail. Also for the private sector a clear argumentation will have to be presented and private sector will have to be engaged to create an understanding of “corporate cultural responsibility”.

It was recognised that communities often take on the role of supporter (voluntarily) in case of absence of funding but it was questioned whether there are such communities in Uganda and East Africa.

A clear wish was expressed to see Uganda and East Africa develop as a community where arts are vibrant and alive, balancing between traditions and emerging creative industries so that arts is available and accessible for a wider public. The arts sector will need to become recognised by other segments to fully develop the potential of arts as a contributing factor to positive change.

The Role of the Media

Media representatives were accusing arts for not being consistent, not being creative and not involving the media in their activities while artists questioned the criteria which the media uses for reporting on certain arts or not – there is little using of archives and documenting for the future (short term focus rather than long term focus) and there is little attention to non-mainstream art expressions.

It became however clear that media and arts have a number of things in common: they are both the result of creative minds at work, they both have a powerful influence on people’s life and mind-sets, they both have the potential to contribute to development.

There was one issue that Bayimba Cultural Foundation feels the general public and the arts sector did not explore sufficiently – the way forward. During the final “grand” discussion, we are therefore specifically looking at the way forward for developing the arts sector in Uganda as well as in East Africa.

So, what is the way forward if arts are to be relevant to our society and communities, and to social and economic development in present Uganda and East Africa (Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda, Burundi) where we are forging a way of being one community but where there are many different cultures and where the arts sectors are at a different level of understanding and development).

Therefore, we will focus on discussing the way forward for arts and culture in Uganda and East Africa. More specifically, the questions are:

1. How to ensure that culture is not understood as static but as dynamic factor in transforming and shaping society? How to pass on a dynamic understanding of culture? Who should pass on this message?
2. How to ensure that art is seen as a relevant factor to positive change? How to involve the wider public? How to ensure that artists becomes respected profession? Who should take a lead in this?
3. How to stimulate individual creativity? Is curriculum in schools stimulating creativity? Do we have good education/training institutions for creative minds?
4. How to stimulate the arts sector? How to ensure professionality within arts sector? Who to take a lead?
5. How to support creativity and arts sector? How can government and public sector, and how can private sector? How and who to engage these segments of society?
6. How to ensure that media and arts sector have a better understanding of each role and of their things in common? How to establish a mutually benefiting relationship?
7. How to ensure that arts sector become sustainable (and not depending on external support)? How to promote and create a demand for arts? Who to take a lead?

It is upon the arts managers, the artists, public and private sector, the media and the general public to jointly forge a way forward to do away with the misunderstanding about (the relevance of) culture and arts.

We welcome you to join us for this grand discussion and we would be grateful if you could prepare your remarks. We are looking forward to receiving you on the 13^th June 2009 at the National Theatre Auditorium at 10am.

Bayimba Team

Bayimba Cultural Foundation started producing a television series discussing the role of Arts and Culture in Uganda and East Africa under the theme “Our contribution to society”. Panellists are always invited to these discussions to share their views with the artists and the public. Our first discussion focused on the “Role of Arts and Culture in Society” while the second discussion was titled “Arts and Development”, the third discussion focussed on “Supporting Arts – Whose role”.

This time around (Friday, 22^nd May 2009) the topic of the discussion will be “The role of the Media in developing Arts”. Panellists and public are invited again to share their thoughts and opinions.

Introduction to the topic

Media and arts have a number of things in common:

1. They are both the result of creative minds at work
2. They both have a powerful influence on people’s life and mind-sets
3. They both have the potential to contribute to development i.e.  social, economic and political development.

The media has two faces here. On the one hand, media form part of the creative industry Art works created with new media technologies constitute one of the most popular contemporary arts genres (media arts) and new media plays an important role in innovation and artistic development and facilitate the connection of the arts sector with other sectors.

On the other hand, media as means of communication – e.g. television, film, radio, newspapers, compact discs, magazines, computers, and internet – extend the human capacity for creating, duplicating, transmitting, and storing messages – messages that are transmitted across time and space. Therefore, the media play a critical role in informing citizens and influencing public opinion.

The emergence of popular culture

Just as the media influence public opinion and perceptions, influence attitudes and help shape the latest trends in music, fashion, entertainment (as well as other facets of daily life). They have become critical in providing information for the choices we make and the attitudes we take: ranging from what music we choose and books we read to what clothes we wear and which performances we attend. As media (through new media technologies) have been closely entwined with technological change, they have contributed to a wide dissemination of messages, reaching out to large segments of society, i.e. the masses. As such, the media have heavily contributed to the emergence of a popular culture (mass culture).

Popular culture and mass media have a symbiotic relationship: each depends on the other in an intimate collaboration. This has affected their content and platform: the focus is on reaching the masses. The downside of this is that there is little room for diversity and pluralism in the content of the message (because of the desire to reach out to masses). Perhaps this means that cultural differences and traditions will inevitably erode altogether? Will the cultures of individuals from groups, organizations, and societies that have great access to and control of media overpower those that have fewer resources and less access and control? Does this allow for diverging opinions, views and trends?

Media and popular culture in Uganda

Media are typical products of the industrialised world. As a result of globalisation, the media and new media technologies were brought to Africa and the role of the media in African society has grown significantly – radio is all over, with community radio experiencing a boom; TV is rapidly expanding throughout the continent (mostly but not exclusively in urban areas); satellite TV is facilitating international TV access all over; internet access is increasing in public domains and mobile telephones are commonly used. As a result, the media have equally influenced society and lifestyles in Africa.

The media have become part of African reality and African everyday life and enabled many Africans to be informed, to communicate and to participate in society. However, the coming of (new) media technology to Africa has also brought along the popular culture which is in essence a creation of the industrialised world from which those media stem – this has resulted in cultural globalisation, a global mass culture that is available in all corners of the world. Also the arts sector has been influenced by this cultural globalisation – American artists (especially musicians) are famous in Africa and local artists often imitate these artists, thereby neglecting their own cultural roots. How can there be room for cultural and artistic diversity and pluralism, both at a global and local level? To what extend does this global popular culture do justice to African culture and arts? What role can media play in ensuring cultural and artistic diversity and pluralism?

The role of media in developing arts

When it comes to media and arts, we acknowledge the efforts of those who have passionately reported on arts, talked about it, followed artists and presented a diversity of arts to the public. However, in Uganda little is known about the actual art industry by Ugandans, because many of our people enjoy the arts without knowing the meaning of what they are enjoying, thus not appreciating it. With the exception of mainstream (popular) music and the prominent theatrical groups, very few people go for authentic art, i.e. different genres of music, artistic paintings, contemporary dance and drama. Surely, artists can show their work but the question is who can create a wider awareness? The media could: not because they must but because they have the capability to reach out to numbers that individuals cannot reach (especially because of the new media technologies). One could argue that arts need the media to connect to the public, to create an audience (even for bigger masses) and platform of cultural and artistic exchange and learning. In turn, the media needs the arts for continuous innovation and creativity. In that sense, media and arts are inseparable – they interdependent and therefore can (when aiming for the same objective) reinforce each other. There is a need for cooperation and collaboration between the media and the arts, especially if meant to positively shape and transform society.

There are several questions that arise:

1. What role are the media playing in the arts sector in Uganda? Do the media critically analyse and report on arts and to what extent are the reports of a diverse nature?
2. What role can the media play in developing arts?
3. Arts about numbers (mass culture) or content? Can informative arts dominate media pages?
4. What role can the media play in promoting diversity and pluralism in arts (as a reflection of a diverse and pluralist society)?
5. How can media and arts interact for a common purpose?
6. Do journalists need training for reporting on arts? Do artists need to design media relations strategies?

A serious national discourse must be undertaken to explore the use of existing and rapidly emerging media technologies to foster hope and promote social inclusion and development. The media have both an opportunity and possibly a responsibility to help people understand their cultural and artistic diversity. Such an increased understanding can be a powerful resource for social and economic development, provided that the Arts sector in its turn remains faithful to artistic diversity as well.

Bayimba Cultural Foundation

Bayimba Cultural Foundation started producing a television series discussing Arts and Culture in Uganda and East Africa under the theme “Our contribution to society”. Panellists are invited to the discussion to share their views while the public was also invited to make their comments. The first discussion focused on the Role of Arts and Culture in society while the second discussion had as a topic Arts and Development.

This time around (Friday, 24^th April 2009) the topic of the discussion will be “Supporting Arts – Whose role?”. Panellists and public will be invited again to share their thoughts and opinions.

Introduction to the topic

It became clear during the first discussions, culture and arts are important in shaping and transforming society. The arts were defined as expressions and visible parts of culture.

In any developing economy, the creative arts industry is a key sector that contributes to both economic and social development. It is widely recognized that arts can reach corners no one can reach. It can pass on powerful messages: for the good (e.g. Jose Chameleon sang about domestic violence, Bobi Wine pleads to his ghetto families for community work and self-realisation and Silver Kyagulanyi sings about faithfulness) but also for bad (e.g. a Rwandan artist that was recently convicted for having contributed to the genocide).

However, the creative arts industry needs to be supported to reach this level – a vision for a sustainable creative arts industry needs to be in place. And, for the creative arts industry to contribute successfully to shaping and transforming society arts and creative minds need to be supported – their quality and professionalism needs to be enhanced.

The question is who should support the arts sector?

The role of the community

In the absence of funding, communities often pitch in to ensure that initiatives go forward. One should not underestimate the community spirit and spirit of volunteers in sustaining the arts. However, to reach a certain level of professionalism and quality that is called for, these communities and individuals need to be supported in their efforts.

The role of the government

There are several reasons why a government could/should support arts and art institutions. First, because arts can be seen as a collective good: everyone should be able to enjoy. The government assist in making sure that everyone can actually enjoy. Second, because arts is considered a merit good: art as a means to educate people and the population. Third, because it is necessary to conserve some forms of arts (heritage). Finally, because of the potential positive external effects of arts: arts centres and events have an effect on (local) economy while arts can contribute to national tourism and boost a country’s image.

It becomes problematic when a government sees as an issue on its own, disconnected from other national issues that it is expected to serve. A government needs to recognise the role of art in society as a whole. For a government to support art, its relevance to economic and social development (i.e. its contribution to shaping society) needs to be understood and recognised. This needs to be reflected in comprehensive government policy, encompassing all art sectors (often cultural policies approach the sector from a traditional/conservative approach, leaving out certain arts disciplines). More importantly, such a policy will need to be followed by implementation (including actual support to the arts sector).

While developing the full potential of the creative art industry calls for government support to art, art cannot be purely a government matter (or in worst case: cannot be controlled by government). Art does not serve political goals or political power. Art mainly serves itself – it can entertain and bring comfort but it can also shock and bring chaos, painfully demonstrating shortcomings of society (and government). This might make governments hesitant, as also Ugandan history shows, because artists are known for being critical towards government and its policies.

However, only art that is practiced in total freedom can fulfil a social responsibility that transcends individual enjoyment and comfort: art cannot be separated from its context, from what is happening in a country, in society and in communities. This poses also a limit to the role of a government – it cannot/should not control the arts. If a government crosses this line, it will become harmful instead of a blessing for the arts. Rather, a government can/should actively stimulate and promote arts to provide a basic infrastructure and to ensure that people and arts meet.

If support to arts results in critical views – also towards government – this should be considered as a healthy expression of (diverging) views. This requires artists to understand their role in shaping and transforming society and acknowledge their limits – though the power of arts seems to be unlimited – as well (as discussed during second discussion). Eventually, both artists and the state should embrace diversity and bring communities together.

Role of the private sector

Private businesses, foundations and wealthy individuals have been an important factor in support of arts. What motivates businesses, foundations and individuals to give to the arts – what reason or benefit do they see to support the arts sector? Whereas foundations and individuals are inclined to have more altruistic reasons to provide support (linked to individual interest in arts and belief in role of arts in society), private businesses provide support because they see a mileage in a certain arts initiative or see it as part of their corporate social responsibility (CSR).

It is mind-boggling how private businesses perceive sponsorship to arts activities: support to the arts sector is rather ad hoc and at an individual level – there is no advert that is made without the involvement of arts (radio spots use music, television spots use graphics, artists are appearing in adverts or used for posters). There are also disciplines of arts that are more attracting to businesses. Whereas private businesses are testifying that music and arts form the thesis of all things we do in life, there is no ground support to the arts sector. It would be preferred if businesses would not only use arts to make money but also return to the very sector they are relying on for their publicity and marketing. A mutual relationship between arts and private businesses would eventually be beneficial to both sectors.

It is noted that the private sector as a whole is threatened by the global financial crisis. This is a worrisome development for the arts. Support from foundations and individuals is likely to reduce as a result of fewer funds available (less income for foundations, individuals and organisations made losses). Within businesses sponsorship budgets and CSR budgets of businesses are the first to be condensed. Among the corporate social responsibilities that businesses can take on arts do not rank high (unless direct benefits can be made) – corporate cultural responsibility (CCR) is therefore a luxury.

One could argue that private businesses should care about their inside and out effects too. The current financial crisis around the globe is a proof to all that responsibility to both the entire company and the social environment is a big value. Also, players in the private sector could learn from the arts sector that – by default – has to deal with excellence, innovation and sustainability. It is therefore worthwhile to keep the dialog between the arts sector and businesses alive.

Also in Uganda, private businesses have supported the arts, most notably the music sector, but also this support has been more on an ad-hoc basis and at an individual level while being geared more towards making benefits than based on a belief in corporate cultural responsibility (CCR). The question therefore is how the role of the private sector, notably private businesses, can be redefined to realize a sustainably creative arts industry in Uganda.

The inter-linkages between government and private sector support should also be looked at. Private sector support to the arts sector could be stimulated by government, e.g. tax incentives to encourage private sector sponsorship and/or corporate cultural responsibility. Also increased private sector support could trigger higher government support (as the likelihood of sustainability increases).

The following questions are raised:

1. Do arts need to be supported?
2. Who should support the arts? What blending of public and private support is needed?
3. How do government and private sector relate to arts? What are the reason(s) for supporting arts?
4. What is the government responsibility in the creation of a cultural vibrant society?
5. What is the role of private businesses? Who are other supporters of arts?
6. How do we support arts? In what way can government, private businesses assist? Direct funding, indirect support?
7. Is there a way we can build an arts sector that is sustainably and not only depending on external (public or private) support?

Arts play a beneficial role in society – the benefits can be both social and economic. We will need to agree that art is good for people as well as for the economy – it provides jobs, it educates, it keeps kids off the street. We also need to agree that our talented artists can be excellent ambassadors of Uganda – they can change the image of Uganda that remains to be known for its violent history and politics.

Our wish is to see Uganda as a community where arts are vibrant and alive, balancing between the more traditional forms of arts (Kiganda dance, entoogoro etc.) and the emerging creative industries. To become recognised as a creative nation and to develop the full potential of arts as a contributing factor to positive change requires a certain level of support to our creative arts industry.

We welcome you to join us in finding solutions and answers to the above questions. We would be grateful if you prepare your remarks. We are looking forward to receiving you on the 24^th April 2009 at 1pm at Club Rouge.

Bayimba Team

At the 20^th Feb 2009 first Bayimba cultural discussion, the panellists defined culture from their perspective. The perspectives presented all came down to the meaning of Culture is who we are, what we do, the sum of beliefs, attitudes and habits.

Art is an expression and a visible part of Culture (quote Serumaga). Today, we are specifically looking at Arts and Development and discussing whether arts can contribute to Positive Change..

>     Do arts contribute to development?

Note: When “art” is being used it encompasses all performing arts (music, drama …), all fine arts (painting, sculpture, cartoons …) … etc.

Art can create and bring awareness to people because art is a powerful means of presenting truths about humankind that can not be expressed any other way. Art also connects people by presenting an idea that everyone can relate to in a universal way. The awareness that comes from art will only lead to a better society if the people take action based on the ideas they discover in art.

Art has the possibility of making societies better, but there are several steps involved. 1 – The art must reach the public, 2 – The people must appreciate the value of the art, 3 – People start changing their behaviours to improve the society.

The action of making art available to the public is necessary for the art to have any impact on the society – bringing art to the common people.

Art will never create any change in societies if people do not realise and experience the relevancy of art and artists need to enter the struggle and conquer the forces of darkness that are invading this country Uganda.

The reaction to art should involve a new appreciation for the human experience. Art depicts both positive and negative aspects. This means that a viewer may have strong emotional responses to art because the ideas expressed are universal in nature.

The misunderstanding of art expressions in Uganda can be understood because people come from different cultures and other time periods. Though misunderstanding is part of life – part of the human experience – all people can understand ideas from a painting, a song or a movie.

Art in Ugandan will only improve societies when the public is so moved by art that they take action. And this change will not be noticed at a large scale – it is often localised.

Artistic touches that can contribute to changing societies:

If an artist can write a book the beauty of the surrounding that they live in – this can improve society by realising and appreciating what they have.

New ideas that can help restructure and rehabilitate the people who have been affected by the 20 years of war in northern Uganda – the possibility to change this northern region – to focus and understand their roles as parents and youth lies in the hands of art and culture – but the only way people can realise development and change is when the public can experience and understand the art.

Art in Uganda and East Africa can build a connection between viewers and the societies by encouraging understanding and exposing misunderstanding. These are parts of the human experience that relate the individual to society. This new awareness can be a benefit to both the society and the individual – the individual gains better understanding about his or her place in society and about the society as a whole. The society will profit if the individual puts this new understanding into practice.

Questions to the 20^th March discussion:

Do Arts contribute to development/positive change?

1. How can we have creative art?
2. How can the people start appreciating art?
3. How can art contribute to positive (emancipatory) change?
4. How can we discuss the social responsibilities of artists?
5. Misunderstanding art because of differences in cultures – do we need art of different cultures or art can sale any where?
6. Can art be a form of direct action?
7. What are the artists/public benefits if art is understood and practiced?
8. How can we know that art is creating change?

Kindly prepare your remarks around the above questions. (Panellists are requested not to bring any paper work as the panellists are expected to speak freely).

We look forward to seeing you at this enriching discussion.

Thank you in advance

Bayimba Team

BAYIMBA CULTURAL FOUNDATION PRESENTS

OUR CONTRIBUTION TO SOCIETY

A TV DISCUSSION SERIES

As a newly founded organisation Bayimba Cultural Foundation aims at stimulating original intra- and interdisciplinary cultural exchange and creativity. The Foundation is dedicated to making Uganda and East Africa a significant hub for music and art culture on the African continent.

To achieve these objectives, Bayimba Cultural Foundation organises a number of activities each year. Each year the activities are organised under a special theme. As for 2009, the activities are organised under the theme “our contribution to society”.

Bayimba Cultural Foundation is of the view that the role of culture in transforming and advancing society is highly underestimated. Whereas many cultural activities are being organised in Uganda, the power of culture is not utilized to the fullest.

To generate and stimulate debate and discussion about the (potential) role of culture in society, Bayimba Cultural Foundation is organising a series of TV discussions. These live discussions will be broadcasted on UBC and EATV.

Panellists from the cultural, public and private sector are invited to join the discussions and share their views on the particular questions that are presented for discussion. We are delighted that you are joining us for the TV discussion on Friday 20 February 2009 (at Club Rouge, starting at 13hrs).

About the TV discussion

The moderator (Shawn K) will introduce the topic and the panellists. They will then ask panellists for their views on the issue presented. Short films (with views from people that were interviewed) will be shown on a screen to give further input into the discussion. During a musical break, a Uganda artist will present a piece of work.

During the discussion on 20 February the questions to be discussed will revolve around the following;

-         How do you/we define culture? How do you/we define arts?

> This discussion aims at presenting different perspectives on culture and arts, by government representatives, artists and the public.

> This discussion also aims at bringing out differences between the rather learned (and more academic) perspective as opposed to the individual perspective: is arts a profession or a passion? Can everyone be an artist? Can everyone create?

-         Do we need culture and arts as a society? Are culture and arts relevant to society?

> This discussion aims at assessing whether the government, artists and the public find culture and arts relevant to society, what role they play and whether they contribute to shaping/transforming society and whether they can contribute to development.

> This discussion also aims at assessing the current state and role of culture in Uganda.

-         Are culture and arts about estetics (beauty) or about passing on a message?

> This discussion aims at discussing whether culture and arts are there for the mere purpose of beauty or whether artists send out a message. Different views from government, artists and public will be presented. Especially also the public expectations from artists will be presented.

-         How do culture and arts relate to morality?

> This discussion aims at defining the perception in which arts and culture are received and interpreted in societies. At the same time we understand artists produce art or music from their own perspectives with intensions of passing on messages – Different views from the public, the artists and the government.

Kindly prepare your remarks around the above questions. (Panellists are requested not to bring any paper work as the panellists are expected to speak freely).

We look forward to seeing you at this enriching discussion.