At the 20th 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 20th March discussion:
Do Arts contribute to development/positive change?
- How can we have creative art?
- How can the people start appreciating art?
- How can art contribute to positive (emancipatory) change?
- How can we discuss the social responsibilities of artists?
- Misunderstanding art because of differences in cultures – do we need art of different cultures or art can sale any where?
- Can art be a form of direct action?
- What are the artists/public benefits if art is understood and practiced?
- 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
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hello i would like to participate in the event please give more details on this event & how i can contribute