Diversity of cultural expression appreciated

Full description

This outcome is about the appreciation of diverse and different forms of cultural expression that can result from engagement. Appreciation is defined here as the recognition or understanding of the worth, value or quality of form/s of cultural expression, including new forms of cultural expression generated when diverse cultures come together. Cultural expression is defined as the different ways that people express themselves depending on their cultural backgrounds, life experience and interests. Thus a culture might be related to ethnic, linguistic, religious or national heritage, but also through identification with others who share expressive interests, such as people who have a shared experience of disability that they seek to express, or expertise in a particular art form or type of cultural expression, such as hiphop, emo or contemporary painting.

This is related to the contribution of this diversity to quality of life and life choices, and the way that people connect with others through this expression. The total amount or percentage of cultural diversity is not the endpoint, but the appreciation of the existing diversity, as well as appreciation of the new forms of cultural expression that are generated when diverse cultures come together. This outcome corresponds closely to UCLG’s cultural element of ‘diversity’, which is seen as “a means to achieve a more satisfactory intellectual, emotional, moral and spiritual existence” (UCLG, 2006, p. 5).

Theory underpinning this outcome

Hawkes talks about the vital contribution of cultural diversity; “just as biodiversity is an essential component of ecological sustainability, so is cultural diversity essential to social sustainability. Diverse values should not be respected just because we are tolerant folk, but because we must have a pool of diverse perspectives in order to survive, to adapt to changing conditions, to embrace the future. And it is not simply the discourse between diverse values that will stimulate our communities to discover new visions. The diversity of mediums of expression and of cultural manifestations are both essential parts of life’s rich tapestry and invaluable tools with which to engage with the challenges that will inevitably confront us” (Hawkes, 2001, p. 12).

Cultural diversity is integral to social cohesion, human development, peaceful coexistence and the prosperity of societies (International Network on Cultural Policy, 2000).

Appreciation of diversity is related to cultural rights, which are an integral part of human rights. “No one may invoke cultural diversity to infringe upon the human rights guaranteed by international law, nor to limit their scope.; enhanced empathy of other cultures (UCLG, 2006):
engaging diverse communities of interest in the creation of new work (Arts Victoria 2013).

Diversity: respecting and interacting with cultural diversity makes the arts more relevant, dynamic, innovative and reflective of Australia today; inclusiveness: exploring each other’s cultures through making art encourages mutual respect and social harmony (Australia Council for the Arts, 2016; McCarthy et al, 2004; UNESCO, 1998).

Evidence that this outcome occurs

Community celebrations encourage valuing of diversity (Hilbers 2012); 62% of respondents agree that the arts “helps me understand other cultures better” (Americans for the Arts, 2015).