The Power of Culture

Could an annually rotating African Cultural Capital contribute to development on the continent? That question came up during the World Conference over Art and Culture that was held in Johannesburg at the end of September 2009.

As artistic director of DuoSoloDanse Alioune Diagne took a risk by organising an ambitious, regional contemporary dance event in the former capital of French West Africa, Saint Louis.

Syria has always had a lively visual arts scene. Appreciated by regional Arab collectors it failed in turn to attract the attention of the West. Over the past two years Syrian artists and galleries have rejoined the Middle-Eastern avant-garde, which is slowly but surely establishing itself internationally.

With an innovative marketing approach the organisation Africa Unsigned helps young musical talent make a living.

In Harare a workshop about art marketing took place from April 30 until May 1, 2009, aimed at ten countries in Southern Africa. Purpose was to strengthen the regional markets for creative products, to develop suitable marketing models and to create a network for art marketeers.

The Kalakar Trust from New Delhi is dedicated to improving the living conditions of the many artists in the slums of the Indian capital.

Kibera, in the southeast of the Kenyan capital Nairobi, is one of the most infamous slum areas of East Africa. A sports programme keeps young people away from drugs and criminality.

As the ninth millenium objective, culture is prominently present in the conclusions drawn by the third United Cultures for Development conference. According to the Cultural Development Trust, which organised the conference, this is useful, since it makes it possible to put culture and development on the agenda without quickly falling into a political discussion.