This document discusses the role of cultural institutions in civil society. It argues that cultural institutions should [1] empower ordinary people to shape society for collective benefit, [2] be diverse and inclusive so that people find meaning and value, and [3] create shared spaces for social interaction, learning, and community well-being. Rather than focusing on audiences and visitors, cultural institutions should view people as active participants and creators. The document also provides characteristics of a robust civil society and suggests cultural institutions can help develop awareness, empathy, and responsibility in the population.

1. Cultural Institutions Tomorrow:

2. “civil society”
government business
The capacity of ordinary people
to shape and bring collective
benefit to the society, daily lives
and future prospects of
themselves and others civil society

3. characteristics of robust civil
society
• People – “us”
• Organic: done by us, not for us – “ours”
• Diverse and inclusive
• Empowered, self-directed, self-reliant
• Active, participative, collaborative
• Empathic, generous, pro-social, sharing
• Aware of cultural identity and of the wider world
• Generational

4. “cultural institution”
has anything
really changed?
old archetype 1876
new archetype 1997

5. 3. box

6. 2. things

7. 1. people
not theoretical :
“mass
markets, audiences, visitors, users, huma
n
factors, footfall, consumers, buyers, dem
ographics, safety limits, C2DEs…etc”
but real :
themselves, plain-
old, complicated, varied, single, in
groups, as
active, participants, producers, owners, c
reators, partners,
making their own transformative

8. cultural institutions = civil society?
• One element in a much bigger process
• Holding a mirror up to ourselves and our world
=
awareness, empathy, pride, responsibility, cap
ability
• “A tool for self-expression, self-recognition”
• “Where people find meaning and value”
• Agent of community well-being
• Shared, cohesive space
– Generational
– Participative
– Contemplative

9. designing for civil society outcomes
• Cultural connection, recognition of place, context
• Shared ownership of the thinking, process, voice
• Inclusive, accessible, regular
• Prompting ideas, questions, dialogue
• “Safe” space for learning, discussion and debate
• Places to hang out - social
• Opportunities to contribute
• Making people part of the subject story
• Good for young people (not just children)

10. you…
Visionary Ego-free
Impresari Collaborato
o r
Respectful Including
Attuned Mentoring
Connectin Learning
g Articulating
Empowerin Nurturing
g Creating
Leading Dogged

11. thank you
RCH February
2012