Proposed Strategies

in principle there are two central thrusts to the strategy plan. it was suggested at the first DreamKeeper Meeting, that a third element be considered

a>> Education and Information Dissemination
A strong theme emerging from the workshop sessions was the need to educate individuals and communities regarding the importance and value of the arts, history and cultural heritage. It was recognized that many people in Durban, particularly the youth, fail to show an interest in or an appreciation for their local human and natural history. By cultivating a sense of value for arts and heritage amongst local residents and organisations, Durban could become a national centre for cultural tolerance, arts and history (with benefits for community cohesiveness, as well as local tourism and artistic enterprises).
This strategy is aimed at activating both communal and corporate support for artistic/cultural initiatives.

Aside from the need to have a holistic arts/history strategy in place (with dedicated municipal support), more specific suggestions were made regarding strategies to distribute knowledge within these areas. They generally focused on two strategic threads: firstly, the creation or preservation of physical places that may serve to promote inter-communal cultural and historical awareness, as well as artistic expression; and secondly, the organization of events and activities to do the same.

b>> Securing Institutional Support for the Arts and Heritage

A major issue raised during the workshop was the need for more recognition of Durban’s artistic and historical value from within the city (and particularly the municipality) itself – it was noted that internationally Durban is recognised and respected in these areas, but this interest doesn’t necessarily manifest locally. It is necessary for eThekwini Municipality and other spheres of government to take a proactive stance in providing both the space and resources for the creative arts to flourish

COMMENTARY