On this course I researched about: Cultural economy and its relation with cultural policy How to act as an art administrator in this new communication scene? How to take advantage of the new cultural economic order?
This course presented me the vocabulary of media studies in an updated framework. Interestingly, I could see that in Brasil we are speaking the same language when talking about transmedia, convergent culture and glocal culture.The difference in Brasil, is that we are inquiring the relations of power that come with the technological era. We see the advantages but also the threats. Researches and educators conscious of the industrialization era and of the Americanization of the world inquires about the threats that come with unconscious consumption of technology.
I recognize the importance of technology for the development of the cultural economy and the need to develop cultural policies that enhance conscious production and distribution. Recognizing the value of the diverse cultures that composes national and international settings as well as discriminating the meaning of the emerging “hiper-modernity”, understanding that this might not prevail over other cultures because it constitutes one type of culture like a subculture that has on the technological area, its main field.
In my opinion developing countries might develop policies to balance the imports of such devices to follow the preparation of the society to consume them consciously. Each nation will have to promote educational reforms to prepare individuals to think about the advantages and disadvantages of this consumption and how to prevent consumerism, sedentarism, alienation and cultural domination etc…
Arts managers need to be aware of this situation to work collaboratively in the educational setting and active participants in the cultural policies’ sphere. We need to work with consciousness to preserve local and world values. Not only to promote our cultural heritage world wide but to respect other cultures and to think about ways to work in collaboration with developing countries in order to change the historical domination cycle.
Unfortunately, what I am saying is not considered for those who are interested in selling their gadgets and for those corrupt politics that allow such domination to occur, like have been happening in Latin American governments and also in Africa for decades. When our governors do not balance imports with protective policies and education, guaranteeing equal investments on science, health, housing, technology and cultural democracy we will continue to see an impoverished population who does not have food but have tvs, computers and debts. In Brasil, this is very common. Miserable people buy house appliances to pay monthly rates that can extend for many years.
As a cultural manager it is essential to build professional capacity, to work collaboratively, to promote inclusive and empowering environments where people can participate, build together, fight for their cultural rights and find sustainable ways to thrive.
Through the studies I am doing about creative economy and industries the new trend is to invest in innovative sustainable models. To enhance inclusion, diversity creativity and environmental consciousness. I have read the UN report on Creative Industries from 2008, the Brazilian National Cultural Plan and participated on the UN online discussion about cultural funding and these learning experiences contributed to understand some global views and how they are reflecting in Latin America.
We had many intriguing discussions in class, some days very good others a little boring, some times tending to overestimate technology rather than recognizing and looking for alternatives that might come parallel to that revolution. I make such critic because I believe that the internet despite being revolutionary it is not the answer for everything. It’s still not being able to capture some forms of transmuting and transmitting knowledge, specially those kinesthetic-based that you primarily learn in community settings.
Through my field work I engaged in an activity of my own interest and shared this with my friend Carmen whose culture has many things in common with mine. I could learn more about the Latin and North American cultures and enjoy what they have to offer as cultural assets. I could create relations and reflections and find some resources for future projects in the field.
In conclusion. I would like to thanks Doung Blandy, John Fenn and all those who were really present and collaborated with the discussions and with our class for a meaningful learning environment.