How Does Culture Build Community

Culture builds communities in different ways. It has a positive impact on many of the key challenges that face our nation today. As a cultural organization, it is important to make it clear to national and local government decision makers, that culture is vital to building community today and into the future.

Culture Builds Quality Of Life

Quality of life is not an easy area to define or measure, but somewhere in the evaluation is an indicator that measures an individual's social, physical and economic well-being.

Culture, by its very nature, inspires social well-being. One of the most distinguishing features of local culture is the crucial role ordinary citizens have in expressing it…local plays, variety concerts, festivals, craft fairs, fiestas and other events turn farmers and retail sales clerks into artisans and amateur performers. These expressions, experiences, interactions, along with direct community participation, contribute to increased self-worth and self-confidence for the individuals involved.

Most cities and municipalities have cultural performers, musicians and craftsmen. Getting involved, interacting with others, participating in activities of interest and generally improving the quality of their lives, are a few of the reasons why cultural volunteers stay with organizations, in some cases, from a young age well into their senior years.

Culture Builds Inspiration and Hope For Troubled Youth

Many young people struggle with issues of identity, independence, competency and social roles. Some youth lash out at the system through crime or violence. Cultural activity teaches the value of discipline, teamwork and positive self-expression. Youth are able to experience the tangible rewards and public affirmation that this type of activity can provide.

By participating in a variety of different cultural activities, youth are able to develop new perspectives on their lives. They learn to imagine, to express, to create, to build relationships - and ultimately develop solutions to deal with their own individual struggles.

Research shows that students who participate in a school band, orchestra, chorus or a school play, are significantly less likely than non-participants to drop out of school, be arrested, drink excessively or use drugs.

Culture Builds Healthier Lifestyles

Throughout the world, medical experts have long-realized the benefits of music, dance, art and poetry to help in the healing process. Before requiring institutional care, most individuals have years of opportunity to create a healthy lifestyle.

Attending festivals, galleries, museums, music or theatrical performances are a simple ways to see results through increased personal contentment and stress reduction. Taking advantage of cultural opportunities may be a stress-free solution.

People who often enjoyed cultural activities such as movies and plays, concerts, religious services and even sporting events lived longer than those who rarely attended. Researchers suggest that the benefit is due to increased social contact and the ability to express emotions in a supportive environment.

Culture Builds An Educated and Innovative Population

If society were to embrace and build upon the powerful role that culture plays in education, it would be amazed at the amount of brilliant minds that would be created.

Cultural activity engages the mind. It gives our youth a richer reservoir of information upon which to draw in pursing other subjects, such as reading, writing, mathematics and history. It involves analysis, reasoning, synthesis, evaluation and application. It hones non-verbal skills such as perception, imagination and creativity and it also develops vocabulary, metaphorical language, observation and critical thinking skills.

Dance, music, photography and other visual arts, transcend language, dissolving barriers among cultural, racial and ethnic groups.

Businesses today look for workers who can think and create. Cultural activity places a premium on discovery and innovation, originality and imagination. Arts, heritage and multiculturalism stimulate creative thought - an invaluable trait for the workplace and for life in general.

Culture Builds Interest

Peoples' growing interest in exploring new cultures and participating in many different forms of cultural activity has sparked a steady rise in cultural tourism in provincial cities and municipalities. Tourism centered around fiestas, arts events, cultural festivals, museums, art galleries and heritage attractions are at the heart of the province's greatest tourist attractions.

Culture Builds Community!

From murals, songs and dances to museums, stages and the land itself, in both urban and rural areas, culture benefits our communities. It is woven through our lives and the various segments of our society. Not only does culture provide us our identity and create spirit in our communities - it provides jobs and incentives for community improvement and helps attract new residents and visitors.

Culture is a valuable trading card for our province. If given room to grow and flourish, culture will be instrumental in attracting new business and new residents. Studies show that cultural amenities increase the leverage for companies trying to attract new skilled employees.

So, when the decision makers are looking for answers to community issues they need only look around at their province’s richly, vibrant culture to see that -- culture builds community.

Let’s develop culture, starting with the youth at school. Pass on the cultural heritage of your local province.