National Cultural Policy Working Document

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NATIONAL CULTURAL POLICY WORKING DOCUMENT

July - October 2012Our Culture: Our Values, Our Identity, Our Prosperity

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PREAMBLE

It is both the responsibility and the wish of the Government of Belize through the National Institute of Culture and History to facilitate the development of a balanced and efficient National Cultural Policy. The purpose of developing this cultural policy is to identify the linkages between culture and development and to examine economic, social, and cultural factors which should be considered in the decision-making process at the national level.

The Government of Belize in its 2008 manifesto pledged to consult with the people of Belize and thereafter develop a National Cultural Policy. This was done because of the realization that the people of Belize provide a rich cultural diversity rarely seen in the world and when combined with Belize’s natural environment, the country may yet be able to enjoy significant social and economic development.

This is not the first effort at developing a National Cultural Policy. As early as 1989 Inez Sanchez, in his document entitled: Thoughts towards the formulation of a National Cultural Policy initiated the written discussion of the need for a National Cultural Policy in Belize and called for an integrated plan of cultural action. This was followed in the early 90s by several UNESCO supported national workshops and consultations. By September 1992 the

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findings of these consultations were published by the National Arts Council in a document entitled: What the People Said. One of its major recommendations was for the establishment of a semi-autonomous body known as the National Institute of Culture and History with responsibility for implementation of a cultural agenda.

It was not until more than 10 years later that the National Institute of Culture and History (NICH) came into existence replacing the National Arts Council. Today NICH is the country’s main facilitator of cultural expression and development. As we are more than 20 years past the last major national consultations on culture, it is in this context that the Government of Belize through the National Institute of Culture and History has undertaken to revisit the views of Belize’s cultural stakeholders and to develop a National Cultural Policy that will facilitate Belize’s social and economic development for the next 20 years.

It is our desire to create here in Belize an atmosphere that is conducive to and supportive of the development and wise management of cultural heritage. This is the goal to which we commit ourselves.

Our Culture: Our Values, Our Identity, Our Prosperity ~ 3

NICH Strategic Plan 2010-2015 and Development of National Cultural Policy

It is the NICH policy that “a cultural heritage industry” will be the main focus of our development and marketing efforts in the promotion of Belizean culture. By this we mean:

A Belize that embraces its diverse cultural heritage, promotes understanding and appreciation of its people, and ensures their growth and development in a global community

AND THAT

NICH is Belize’s premier cultural institution dedicated to creating an enabling environment for the development, conservation, promotion, expression and accessibility of culture in all its diversity

The NICH Strategic Plan outlines its guiding principles as follows:

• Respect, Integrity, Tolerance and Excellence are our hallmarks

• Culture is central to the overall development of our country

• Education is fundamental to understanding and appreciating culture

• People have a right to cultural expression and benefits

• Culture contributes positively to building social cohesion and fostering national identity

• Alliance building is essential for developing our cultural potential

• Promotion of culture nationally and internationally is an integral part of Belize’s development (Tourism)

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These guiding principles are integral to the:

Identification of elements which should constitute a National Cultural Policy

As well as the

Process and participation required in the development of a National Cultural Policy.

Based on these guiding principles the National Culture Policy consultations are intended to:

• Define the concept of culture within a Belizean context;

• Examine the role and importance of culture in the overall development of the nation of Belize;

• Identify the cultural resources available to Belize;

• Examine the role of the media and educational system in the appreciation of culture and history as well as the development of artistic expression;

• Provoke recognition by decision-makers of the importance of cultural development to national development;

• Examine opportunities for cultural exchanges, bilateral and multi-lateral agreements and cultural networks which can support culture locally and regionally;

• Identify legal and other measures which would assist in protecting cultural practices and practitioners;

• Examine the link between education and culture;

• Examine the link between health and culture;

• Examine the link between the environment and culture;

• Examine the role of culture in poverty eradication;

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With the aim of accomplishing the above, NICH proposes to take necessary steps to

(a) generate awareness and confidence through a consultation process

(b) create a suitable climate for the enhancement of our cultural heritage

(c) strive to eliminate potential drawbacks (racism, ignorance, undervaluing of cultures and the arts, inadequate funding)

(d) forge cooperative ventures with Education, Health and Environment to

instill in our worldview that culture is an integral aspect of our daily lives The above stated guidelines are premised on the centrality of culture to all aspects of Belize’s development, including building social cohesion and fostering national identity. These guidelines will require formulation into specific programmes and legislative action and as the culture industry develops and progresses, it may be necessary to formulate new laws.

Why should a National Cultural Policy be developed?

A National Cultural Policy (NCP) will set the framework through which NICH and the Government of Belize may provide support for Culture and the Arts and its expressive creativity for the next ten years and provide cultural stakeholders with a common strategic direction and rationale for current and future investment.

A National Cultural Policy (NCP) will ensure that NICH’s vision for developing and supporting the arts and culture is relevant and targeted to our modern and diverse nation. The development of a National Cultural Policy will challenge Belizeans to be part of the conversation and dialogue on how our cultures and creative industries can be better connected to mainstream society in order to promote greater productivity.

A National Cultural Policy ensures that investment in the arts and culture will produce a social dividend which can empower individuals to value freedom and expression, tolerance and inclusion; as well an economic dividend which has the potential to improve human capability and productivity and competitiveness.


The National Cultural Policy encompasses as broad categories: Belize’s Cultural Heritage; the Core Arts and Creative Industries

What is our cultural heritage?

As equally important and complementary to Belize’s Core Arts and Creative Industries, Belize’s Cultural Heritage includes our ancient and modern Maya culture, indigenous peoples, colonial historical heritage; and unique and diverse cultural groups. Altogether these comprise a dynamic way of life which must be supported, protected and where possible researched and promoted.

The development and maintenance of historic/colonial structures, archaeological reserves and parks as destinations for tourism and education are also a priority.

What comprises our creative industries?

This is a sector which harnesses a range of creative and business skills for commercial and production purposes. Creative industries include: The recording industry, music and theatre production, film industry, book, journal and newspaper publishing, computer software industry, photography, commercial arts, architecture, fashion and design, and the radio, television and cable broadcasting industries.


Core arts:

Music, performing arts, literature and visual arts which are practiced by professional practitioners, students and hobbyists comprise the main aspects of core arts. In addition to the individual and collective activities of professional practitioners and hobbyists, the core arts form the basis for arts education, collections and performances which may be made available to the public in galleries, libraries, theatres, cultural venues and training institutions and increasingly via on-line and broadcast media.

Where is Belize Now?

In 2009 the National Institute of Culture and History (NICH) which is the institution responsible for facilitating the growth of Belize’s cultural industries, preserving and retrieving cultural forms and fostering social inclusion and cohesion, embarked on the development of a five-year strategic plan.

The 2010-2015 Strategic Plan identifies the development of a National Cultural Policy as priority objective. This National Cultural Policy is to respond to the wishes and concerns of cultural actors and identify policies and actions which facilitate social improvement and economic development.

What are the initiatives currently being delivered and those to be developed? The NICH Strategic Plan outlines a number of initiatives that are currently

in progress and others that are being developed.

Institute of Creative Arts (ICA) activities include:

Film and Media Productions; National Art competitions; National Song Competitions; Professionalization of Arts and Cultural Workers; Scholarship and Exchange Programs and the Development of a National Theatre; and National Youth Orchestra.

Institute for Social and Cultural Research (ISCR) activities include:

Developing Indigenous Art, Language and Cultural Policies; Hosting Symposia; High School and Tertiary Research Competitions; Retrieval and Documentation of Traditional Knowledge; National Cultural Policy and Publications; and Formal Research Policy and Publications.

Institute of Archaeology (IA) activities include:

Development of Archaeological Reserves and Parks; Hosting of International Symposia; Protection and Preservation of Archaeological Heritage; Construction of Visitor Centers; Exhibitions; Research and Publications


The Museum of Belize and Houses of Culture (MOB-HOC) activities include:

Plan of Action for establishment of a National Museum and Houses of Culture in each district; Researching and Curating Exhibitions; Publications; Providing Art Galleries and Cultural Spaces for Artistic Expression.

NICH Central Administration activities include:

Revising and amending the NICH ACT; Marketing and National Branding Strategy; Establishment of a Beverly Smith Endowment Fund; NICH Permanent Headquarters; Public Awareness Campaign; Websites Development; and Regional Cooperation with neighboring countries in arts and culture.

Are there any other Governmental Organizations that make significant contributions to Arts and Culture?

• Ministry of Education through its Arts in School Programs; Curriculum building in the arts; African and Maya studies. Research publications via memorandum of understanding between local universities and research institutes.

• Cultural Groups and organizations such as the National Garifuna Council, National Kriol Council, East Indian Council, Tumul’kin and others.

• UNESCO initiatives through funding for cultural and art projects• Health sector through documentation of traditional healing practices,

workshops and the commercial exploitation of medicinal plants• Social Services, Family, Rural Development Ministries• Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment• Ministry of Foreign Affairs via trade agreements• Beltraide via marketing and product development

The National Cultural Policy requires that we also consider:

1) Analysis of the Private sector and its contribution to arts and culture

2) Review of Performing Arts Sector

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3) Review of Cultural Heritage Sector

4) Establish an Outline of Strategies to support creative industries including tax benefits and the leverage of funds

5) Review of Policies and Regulatory Frameworks

6) Establishment of National Classification of Tangible and Intangible Cultural Heritage

7) Development of a National Arts and History Curriculum

8) Development of World Class Cultural Heritage Parks

9) Development of facilities for the exposition of culture and arts; National Theatre and National Museum

10) Examining local academic and scholarly research toward the understanding of Belize’s culture and history.

Note: Please visit our website: www.nichbelize.org to view a copy of the 2010-2015 Strategic Plan. You may wish to review this document before proceeding to the Survey Instrument.


Survey Instrument (Please note, you may sumbit the survey electronically at www.nichbelize.org or via email to [email protected])

So as to gauge where Belize is at now in terms of its strategic objectives and activities, we would like for you to consider and comment on the following questions.

1) Please state your age: _________

2) Please state your gender: □ Male □ Female

3) In your opinion, which of the following best describes Belize’s social and cultural make-up?

□ Hegemonic- A society where one dominant group has ethnic influence on all other groups

□ Synthetic- The different cultures are put together in an effort to establish a single whole culture.

□ Pluralistic- Where all groups recognize the others unique characteristics and share in an all-encompassing national identity

4) On the list below, indicate your choice on whether or not Belizeans enjoy equal access to social and cultural institutions and activities Agree Disagree Somewhat

Educational institutions □ □ □ Health care facilities □ □ □ Cultural Fairs and Festivals □ □ □ Archaeological Sites □ □ □ Historical Landmarks and Buildings □ □ □

5) Do you believe that the promotion of art and culture is important to the development of Belize?

□ Yes □ No □ Not sure


6) In which of the following ways do you believe that the promotion of the arts and culture can have a positive effect on Belize? (check those that apply)

□ Encourages better understanding of cultural practices and traditions □ Improves tolerance and respect □ Fosters togetherness among the cultural groups □ Foster a national identity □ Contributes to self appreciation □ Please state other: ___________________________________________

7) Do you agree that the arts and creative industries can contribute to the Belizean economy?

If yes, can you give an example of how this happens? ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ If no, please explain. ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________

8) Do current policies reflect and support the proper development of the arts and culture in modern Belize?

If yes, can you list a few examples? _____________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ If no, what policies need to be in place to ensure the proper

development of the arts and culture? ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ What else can be done? ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________


9) Other than by making direct financial investment, in what ways can the Government of Belize support arts and culture? (check those strategies that apply)

□ Passing laws which support for national cultural standards for example (intellectual property)

□ Signing international conventions related to art and culture□ Providing tax concessions for those that invest in the arts and culture□ Providing training and education for stakeholders in the arts and culture□ Promoting indigenous cultures and cultural expressions□ Ensuring the equitable distribution of resources to cultural groups and

agencies□ Developing curriculum which teaches promotes national history, culture

and arts□ Other, please state other strategies ___________________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________________

10) Choose any three (3) strategies from the list above and explain how you believe each one may be able to strengthen support for the arts and culture? _______________________________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________________

11) Should the arts and history be integrated into the general education curriculum? □ Yes □ No

12) Do young persons have a responsibility toward the preservation and promotion of Belize’s cultural heritage □ Yes □ No

13) If you answered yes in item 12, please give one example of how young persons can contribute to the preservation and promotion of our cultural heritage _______________________________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________________


To conclude:

The consultation process will seek to achieve and promote:

Understanding Belizean culture and participation. In order for people to effectively and meaningfully participate at every level, we must be able to understand the philosophy and nature of the arts and culture and thereafter take ownership.

Positive Attitudes about culture and the arts and recognizing the integral role of family and gender.

The introduction of legislation for the systematic and balanced growth and development of culture and the arts.

It will also be required that we translate the findings of this consultation process into a National Cultural Policy that can inform and direct the Government to legislate laws that contribute to the development of the industry.

NICH and other private sector partners realize both the scope of its authority and its responsibilities for the strengthening and marketing of Belize’s cultural richness to an international audience.


Finally:

The history of Belize is one of people coming to this land and creating a stable political and economic nation blessed with cultural diversity. The natural and man-made wonders of Belize provide a jewel to behold for Belizeans and foreigners alike.

NICH therefore is enthusiastic about the potential that is represented by this blooming culture and art industry and can foresee major benefits in the future for Belizeans at home and abroad.

NICH has committed itself to taking the necessary steps to ensure that no roadblocks are put in the path of the Belizean who desires to prosper from culture through ingenuity and hardwork and to ensure that the consultation process which will determine the components of the National Cultural Policy be carried out.


Timeline and Process

The Process will involve the production of a working document based on preexisting frameworks established through various consultation exercises. The process and framework follows already established principles of democratic consultations and will involve the use of electronic communication so that all Belizeans may be able to inform the consultation process. The framework document will be subject to scrutiny and deconstruction to ensure that a proper and relevant National Culture Policy can be contstructed and presented.

District Consultations Corozal: July 17, 2012; Corozal House of Culture, 5:00pm Orange Walk: July 18, 2012; Banquitas House of Culture, 5:00pm Cayo: San Ignacio: July 24, 2012; Cahal Pech Village Resort, 5:00pm Belmopan: July 25, 2012; Belmopan Civic Centre, 5:00pm Stann Creek: July 31, 2012; Father Marin Parish Hall, 5:00pm Toledo: August 1, 2012; Father Frances J. Ring SJ Parish Hall, 1:00pm Belize City: August 7, 2012; House of Culture, 5:00pm Compilation of draft: August and September, 2012 Final Draft: TBA

For more information, kindly contact us at:

Institute for Social and Cultural Research (ISCR) National Institute of Culture and History (NICH) Museum Building, Culvert Road Belmopan, Cayo, Bz T: (501) 822-3307F: 822-3815 www.nichbelize.orgEmail: [email protected] [email protected]

Documents

National Cultural Policy Working Document