4th Shukuma Mzansi! SA-EU Dialogue: Democracy in the Context of Culture

ABOUT

Contributing to conversations on culture, democracy and inclusive development within a ‘whole of society approach’; the Sibikwa Arts Centre will be hosting the 4^th Shukuma Mzansi! SA-EU Dialogue: Democracy in the Context of Culture, launch networking event on 28 February and conference from 1 – 3 March 2022. The conference is presented by the SA-EU Strategic Partnership - the Dialogue Facility, the Department of Cooperative Governance (DCOG), the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture (DSAC) in partnership with the South African Local Government Association (SALGA), the South African Cities Network (SACN) and EU partner countries: Italy, Ireland, Flanders, France and Sweden.

Culture propels “civic culture” which is often seen as a prerequisite for the successful emergence, survival and deepening of democracy, especially at a local level. It is for this reason that this stimulating 4^th edition Dialogue is located in the exploration of culture as an essential tool in strengthening active citizenship and participatory governance, for broad-based democratic ownership of municipal policies that ensure integrated and inclusive development, within national and global agendas.

Framed within the South African Department of Cooperative Governance’s District Development Model and Integrated Urban Development Framework, which promotes an all of society approach, and particularly Lever 7: Empowered Active Citizens, this Dialogue aims to draw attention to the ways in which democracy can thrive when citizens are fully, freely and safely able to access and participate in cultural, social and political processes and structures.

The three-day conference will include live-streamed plenaries in the morning, afternoon working group sessions, digital and live performances and SA and EU virtual study tours illustrating the work being done to promote cultural inclusion, enhance participatory governance, and build social infrastructure that allow for safe, democratic and creative connections. Presenters and delegates will include SA and EU Government officials, arts and culture institutions, the private sector, academics, researchers and civil society.

Seeking to highlight the position, value and role of arts and culture centres and programmes in relation to building better futures and more sustainable cities, the Dialogue focuses on the relationship between municipalities, arts and culture, and communities, exploring the possibilities for multi-stakeholder engagement, cross-sector collaboration and the integration of arts and culture within Integrated Development Plans, to effectively address local challenges and ensure inclusive and sustainable advancement.

The Dialogue intends to offer recommendations for the formulation of an ‘Local Cultural Governance Change Agenda’ - a framework for municipalities to work in cooperation with community arts centres, to enable participation in cultural life, promote active citizenship and facilitate participatory governance mechanisms.