What is Cultural Diversity?
Tuesday 21st March 2006, 6.30pm, London Metropolitan University
41 Commercial Road, 1st Floor Lecture Theatre (Nearest tube: Aldgate East)
The event is free but booking is advised
In recent years,much has been made of ‘cultural diversity’ in Britain. At both local and national levels of government, ‘cultural diversity’ has become a defining element of social inclusion and the means by which Britain declares itself to be a ‘tolerant’multicultural society. Yet what precisely do we mean when we talk about ‘cultural diversity’? Is it the proliferation of so-called ‘equal opportunities’ policies? Is it the greater visibility of Black and Asian people in television programmes and commercials? Or is ‘cultural diversity’ chicken tikka massala being described as symbolising modern day British culture? Might the act of separating and defining British people according to notions of ‘cultural difference’ be particularly problematic? Could it be that the seemingly obligatory institutional embrace of ‘cultural diversity’ hinders and ultimately prevents a greater understanding of the dilemmas and problems facing Black and Asian people in Britain today? Do the celebratory notions of ‘ethnic’ difference and diversity that have become an integral part of our ‘inclusive’ society need some critical examination? Why are certain people regarded as being more ‘ethnic’ than others?
What is Cultural Diversity? will attempt to explore these questions and take a critical look at what we mean by the term ‘cultural diversity’ and its relation to the broader cultural and political terrain. The speakers will also critically discuss the ways in which ‘cultural diversity’ manifests itself within the visual arts and other sectors. In recent years, ‘cultural diversity’ has arguably become one of the major issues concerning arts funding within the public sector.Whilst such concerns have a legacy dating back to the 1970s, the current proliferation of policies and initiatives related to ‘cultural diversity’ – typified by the Arts Council’s ‘flagship’ projects, such as ‘decibel’ – appear ever more reflective of New Labour’s agenda of social inclusion. To this end, significant sums of money are allocated and spent in the name of ‘cultural diversity’. However, might accepted definitions of ‘ cultural diversity’ be acting as a constrainer rather than a facilitator of artistic and societal development? What sort of effects, positive, negative or otherwise, are such Arts Council initiatives having on the programming and employment policies of publicly funded galleries and arts organisations? Is there a place for the arguments and positions of those who are uncomfortable with defining themselves along the lines of apparent or perceived cultural difference?