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, 24th 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:
- Do arts need to be supported?
- Who should support the arts? What blending of public and private support is needed?
- How do government and private sector relate to arts? What are the reason(s) for supporting arts?
- What is the government responsibility in the creation of a cultural vibrant society?
- What is the role of private businesses? Who are other supporters of arts?
- How do we support arts? In what way can government, private businesses assist? Direct funding, indirect support?
- 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 24th April 2009 at 1pm at Club Rouge.
Bayimba Team
