DIVERSITY OF CULTURAL EXPRESSIONS
The term' diversity of cultural expressions' refers to the various ways in which people express their creativity, cultural identity, and artistic talents. This diversity results from manifold influences on cultural practices - history, geography, different beliefs, languages, and customs. The protection and promotion of diverse cultural expressions are vital in today's world, where globalisation and the potential homogenisation of cultures can represent a significant threat to local and indigenous cultures, languages, and traditions.
The notion of stable and coherent national cultures has become increasingly obsolete given growing within-country ethnic diversity and processes of cultural, social, and economic globalisation. This has been the backdrop of tensions between hegemonic cultural offerings and heightened recognition of the cultures of various marginalised communities. Along these lines, cultural policies in different countries have emphasised a transition to multiculturalism (e.g., France), transculturalism (e.g., Germany), acultural melting pot (e.g., the UK), or cultural regionalism (e.g., Spain).
The diversity of cultural expressions is vital for many reasons related to preserving cultural heritage, safeguarding linguistic diversity, enriching human experience, developing a sense of identity and belonging, challenging stereotypes and prejudices, and encouraging critical thinking.
Cultural diversity is so important because it allows for the preservation of unique traditions, customs, languages, and artistic forms that have been passed down from one generation to another. Safeguarding linguistic diversity prevents the loss of valuable knowledge and worldviews encoded in languages. Experiencing diverse cultures also broadens horizons, enhances empathy, and fosters mutual respect among communities. Furthermore, it challenges stereotypes, nurtures understanding and tolerance, and ultimately reduces discrimination. For many individuals, cultural expressions are a source of identity and self-esteem. The ability to freely express and celebrate one's culture contributes to their sense of belonging and empowerment. Last but not least, studying and engaging with diverse cultural expressions in educational settings can give individuals a broader perspective on history, society, and the arts.
Over the past two decades, policymakers have turned their focus to the cultural sector and the people who populate it, in an effort to diversify it. There are several rationales for diversifying the cultural sector. A diverse cultural sector can enrich the creative process and propel innovation and originality in cultural offerings. Moreover, measures diversifying the cultural sector can balance historical discrimination against marginalised groups, such as certain ethnic minorities or people with disabilities, who have rarely been included in the arts. Ultimately, diversifying the cultural sector will trickle all the way down to the audience: diverse staff can create more diverse content that will have the potential to attract more diverse audiences. (TKG, NY, SW, JLS)