Cultural Entitlement

Discussion Paper


Introduction
This discussion paper is presented in the context of projecting into the future and visioning our cultural environment.

Cultural entitlement as an overarching concept for an arts strategy, or alternatively as a policy within the new strategy, was raised on a number of occasions during the course of this consultation process and as such it merits further exploration.

Many consider it part of a citizenship agenda, supporting childhood development. Others focus on cultural diversities and identities, access to cultural experiences or preparing future consumers of culture, but not necessarily participating in it.

The word entitlement, meaning a right, a privilege or a claim, is contentious in that it brings up issues about responsibility of the individual, of organisations providing cultural and educational services, of policy makers and planners. A basic definition of cultural entitlement is: the universal right to have access to high quality arts experiences.

Cultural Policy
Cultural policy is established internationally, e.g. the UN convention of the rights of the child entitles children to access arts and culture. It is incorporated into Europen treaties and delivered through the EU Commission.

National policy in Englang has established the concept of cultural entitlement and this has been adopted by a number of local authorities, largely in relation to the cultural entitlement of children and young people.

Scotland’s First Minister, Jack McConnell, presented in a vision statement that:

“We should make the development of our creative drive the next major enterprise for our society. Arts for all can be a reality, a democratic right and an achievement of the 21st century”.

In Ireland the Arts Act 2003 requires each local authority to have an Arts Plan. South Dublin County Councils mission statement supports inclusive and participative decision making through the democratic process and it supports and sustains the cultural fabric of the county.

The arts strategy sits into the Councils Corporate Plan which is a broad based statement whereby the Council supports socially inclusive access to high quality arts experiences. It values its communities and individuals as cultural creators. It recognizes the need create an environment that supports a concentration of artists living and working in the county and the contribution the arts can make to the cultural identity of the county. This is reflected in the current arts strategy.


Support Systems
Cultural Entitlement is not only about policy, it’s also about support systems. Family plays an important role in increasing creative and cultural engagement. However there may be perceived barriers to visiting institutions such as cost, transport, and the unfamiliar environment. There is an argument that cultural experiences need to be made accessible to parents as well as to children, in local centres, through group experiences and community specific projects. Children have a positive effect on parents as they bring home their creative work from school or when there is a sharing of work through performances and exhibitions.

Creative learning in schools develops the skills of children and young people by raising their aspirations and achievements, and opening up more opportunities for their futures.

Creative approaches to learning in schools supports the engagement of schools with artists and creative professionals and professional development support for teachers enables the delivery of the arts curriculum.

Cultural Learning and Technology
There is an understanding of cultural learning as a lifelong activity taking place in formal and informal learning and cultural settings providing opportunities for individuals and communities to achieve their creative potential. Libraries are an example of such cultural settings, supporting family literacy, access to literature and resources such as digital collections and technology.
As technology continues to develop it creates opportunities to reach new audiences and for a broad range of people to become the creators and distributers of cultural content to virtual communities who share cultural values.

Cultural Entitlement in Context
Cultural Entitlement can be explored in relation to specific sectors such as healthcare and disability, rural areas, older people and cultural diversity. The arts and health focus group which was part this public consultation process presented very clear feedback in relation to cultural entitlement in a healthcare context.

It identifies enhanced participation, ownership, promoting a sense of entitlement amongst the community, advocacy for the arts being part of our lives – across the social spectrum and dreaming the dream of access to quality arts facilities in healthcare settings. These ideas represent a perspective that is relevant to other contexts.

Rights and Responsibilities
Entitlements are a right and a privilege that come with expectations and responsibilities for individuals and organizations. This raises a number of questions. Will creating a right weaken the concept of responsibility and create a cultural of entitlement, a concept with negative connotations. Who will deliver this entitlement? Will it be adopted across arts organizations and other services? Is it sustainable – which reduces cultural entitlement to economics. Cultural rights would represent a radical departure from current policy which favors broadening access and enhancing opportunities for participation. Is cultural entitlement the language and meaning that we require at this time in South Dublin County?

Orla Scannell
Arts Officer