Med Culture Ministries Regional Peer to Peer Workshop: Broadening the base- role of cities. By Fatin Farhat

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2 Med Culture Ministries Regional Peer to Peer Workshop: Broadening the base- role of cities By Fatin Farhat Which strategy for which city? How can local governments participate in national cultural policies and programmes? What role for citizens? Tunis,10-11 September 2015

3 Cultural Policy in the Arab World A relatively new discipline recent prominent initiatives are: Racine- Morocco, Itijahat Syria, Al Mawred Al Thaqafi, National Groups for Cultural Policy (12 Arab Countries). Centralized system of cultural policy on the public level. No transversal cultural strategy that insures all relevant stakeholders (representing different sectors) in the making of policies particularly civil society, work is in that direction is more evident now. Poor research and data collection of the cultural sector. Lack of political will to integrate cultural policy in the overall national development process/ discrepancy between rhetoric and facts (law parentages of budgets go into culture). Tension in the relations between civic society and public policy makers (minimal funding for arts, poor infrastructure, lack of necessary legislations, lack of political will). Lack of interest and faith by citizens

4 Cultural Policy in the Arab World Lake of legislations and legal frameworks that promote the cultural sector and integrate it into the sustainable development processes. Education and culture seem to be act like separate sectors.

5 Arab Cities in Transition New metropolitan age, more people live in cities than they do anywhere else. Urban and social fabrics of cities are rapidly changing. Varying sizes, potentials and capabilities of different cities (specificity). A very particular political and social time, influxes of refugees storming some of the cities under questions (Amman and Beirut), political transportations and changes. Disappearance of Middle Class. Unemployment, pollution, crime. Limited resources, poor infrastructure

6 Paradoxical Question How can an argument made in favor of local governments involvement in cultural development in light of the above? How can culture be considered a priority?

7 Cultural governance depends on the country s general governance and must be consistent with the general development strategies. City cultural policy is not an exception

8 Good Governance: Establishing a proactive, responsible citizenry and fostering citizens participation in policymaking is easiest activated on local level. Policies developed and implemented on local level concern the immediate personal living environments of citizens the participation of citizenry in elaborating, implementing and evaluating policies is no longer an option, but a characteristic of advanced democracies. Jordi Pascual

9 Local Governments (i.e. Municipalities and Regions) Can be defined as the most democratic among public authorities. Growing awareness that public polices in general are not exclusive to the ministries relevant. Direct contact with the general public and society s different sectors. Direct taxation/ services system of relationship with the citizens. Can act as a liaison between people and authorities in the cultural policy process.

10 Multi stakeholder City Cultural Governance Democratization Enhances democratization of process through increased opportunities for effective participation. Enhances democratization through giving a voice to the marginalized ad voiceless (women, minorities, indigenous groups etc). Enhances democratization since decisions are reflective ad responsive to local concerns and allows also for flexibility.

11 Possible Areas of Intervention Programs of social cohesion. Providing appropriate and capable infrastructure to accommodate the local and community and newcomer cultural activity within the network of cultural spaces capable of providing an integrated performance and in contact with the various social strata. The support cultural and artistic events held by the institutions of civil society, including the display spaces provide them with financial and technical support. The involvement of the broader community sectors in cultural activity, through the creation of the movement of cultural work of the closed hall toward the open spaces links. Documenting the material and intellectual history of the cities and fostering research

12 Arguments for City Cultural Development City marketing reinvention of city images Contribute to the economic development of a city Tourism and revitalization of old historic centers, festivals. Cities as capitals for culture (visibility). Twin ships and partnerships with other cities- tool for international relations and solidarity Cultural development should be dedicated to supporting the diverse cultural lives of residents and to reinforce co existence Create job opportunities Enhance public participation Re use of while elephants as public cultural and meeting spaces Potential re connection with the Diaspora communities

13 Stakeholders Involved in City Cultural Policy Development Local governments Public authorities and administrations Civil Society organizations and associations Independent artists and practitioners The private sector, philanthropists, and entrepreneurship Public and Independent media The general public

14 THINK CULTURE THINK GROWTH!