Culture

Culture and Art – Tools for Social Change and Global Impact

As the lifeblood of a vibrant society, culture and art can be expressed in many forms – stories, celebrations, traditions, dress, dance, theatre, and music. This creative expression helps define human nature and allows us to see the world through the eyes of others.

Our inspiring ➡️ platform for culture opens up the world of arts, festivals, film, language, and even gardens through 3,000 resources which focus on diversity, inclusion, and the use of culture and art for a better world.

Find brilliant news outlets, resources on worldwide culture, artists, and excellent organisations bringing the world of arts to everyone. Gain access to up to the minute news from the art and culture world with our excellent culture Twitter list.

Make sure to check out our related topics on religion, peace, social justice, and human rights which all help form culture as we know it today. German speakers should visit our partner site Bessere Welt Info for over 3,600 links on Kultur.

“We may have different religions, different languages, different coloured skin, but we all belong to one human race” - Kofi Annan

Culture and Art as Tools for Social Progress

As we celebrate culture and art around the world, we also promote their use for social transformation, and highlight the importance of cultural preservation. By embracing cultural diversity, we can help to remove harmful stereotypes, and foster a society of understanding, respect, and global cooperation. 

Culture can be a powerful driver of economic growth, it plays a key role in sustainable development, it helps secure social stability, and promotes environmental protection. Learn more about worldwide culture, culture in Europe, and the importance of protecting endangered languages, preserving local knowledge, and promoting inter-cultural dialogue. 

As citizens are becoming more disillusioned with weak social protections, police brutality, racism, lack of climate action, crumbling workers' rights, military spending, forever wars, the restriction of women's rights, abortion laws, poor treatment of refugees, corruption, and weakened democracy, activists are using art as a way to amplify their voices. 

Activism through art has been used to promote the Black Lives Matter Protests, to support gay rights, promote peace, gender equality, and a host of other worth causes. Cartoonists, photographers, sculptors, street artists, poets, and film makers use their creativity to drive movements calling for urgent change. Art is one of the most powerful tools we have. 

Examples of artists who have used their skills to raise awareness of important issues include Picasso, Frida Kahlo, Yoko Ono, Keith Haring, Banksy, and Rebeca Lane.

Art Forms – Artistic Expression through Painting, Dance and Music

Better World Info celebrates all forms of art, in particular those conducive to a better world. We have created a guide to the most inspiring and influential music, dances, cartoons, poetry, and literature which capture the essence of peace, positive change, social justice, and environmental protection.

Music is one of the most important cultural forms of expression, it unites people, and can be used to support excellent causes. The massive Live Aid concerts raised $140 million for famine relief in Africa as well as spreading awareness of the severity of famine to billions around the world. Benefit concerns have been used successfully to generate money for causes such as HIV, refugees, the victims of the 9/11 terrorist attacks, climate change, peace, and ending racism.

We also highlight the different art venues which are used to showcase these various art forms such as museums, galleries, theatres, festivals, carnivals, and even street art.

Films, Documentaries, and Photography for a Better World 

Delve into the fascinating world of cinema and documentaries where you can find film festivals near you, learn about the role of women in film, and how this medium can be used as a platform for change, shift narratives, spark conversations, and to raise awareness of important world issues. 

This form of media is art that can cross borders, be translated into hundreds of languages, and expose truths that are often well hidden from the public eye.

Documentaries that sparked real world change include Al Gore’s insight into climate change with ‘An Inconvenient Truth', 'Super Size Me' an exploration into the health effects of a McDonald's only diet, and ‘Food, Inc’ with its examination of corporate farming in the U.S.

In fact, the entire career of documentary legend David Attenborough has been devoted to providing eye-opening insight into serious environmental issues. His documentaries are thought to have been a significant factor in strengthening British environmental policies.

Learn about human rights film festivals, and find our top recommendations for films on peace, environment, the climate crisis, Big Oil, and war and conflict.

In our photography section you can find expert information on photography awards, photo archives, image royalties, and where to source stock photos. We also feature the brave and inspiring photographers and photo journalists who capture precious moments in the natural world, and unforgettable portraits of humanity.

Artists and Role Models of Culture - The People Behind the Art

Art and culture live through the people who create, reproduce, and develop them. In its many forms it can be used as a tool for protest, a way to unite different communities, and as a way to foster cultural tolerance. Explore our exemplary people in culture category to find some of the worlds most talented artists, see who is using art to raise the profile of important campaigns like Black Lives Matter, and who is simply spreading joy by sharing their work for all to enjoy.

Our collection of artistic, literary, and musical role models showcases the talent of individuals who bring global attention to important issues, and use the stage for advocacy. Learn more about important people in culture such as Vivienne Westwood, Roger Waters, and George Orwell, and about the impact of celebrity activism where those in the public eye use their influence for good.

We also celebrate inspiring philanthropists who use their money for social uplift and the greater good. Discover our selection of top people in the fields of religion and community service.

Culture and Artistic Freedom for a Better World

We are huge advocates for artistic freedom and the preservation of culture and heritage. Without which, social change and progression are stifled. Art and culture are valuable and essential tools in making this world a better place.

"Art makes better humans, art is necessary in understanding the world and art makes people happy. Undeniably, art is not optional." - Nathan Sawaya

Art can be a simple colourful enrichment of an otherwise dreary day, or a creative force to promote political education and human development. Often playing a forgotten role in our society, the arts remain massively underfunded. With austerity programs, economic crises, and conflict at the door, it takes a back seat to other prioritised industries such as the military.

Investing in the arts and our cultural heritage promotes wellbeing, community pride, enhances the quality of life for residents, and boosts the economy.

We must protect the freedom to imagine, create, and express. We must fight against governmental censorship, political interference, and repression. All citizens deserve the right to access art regardless of its message, and to be able to celebrate their own traditions and cultures without fear of imprisonment, persecution, harassment, or other human rights violations.

It is important to support local artists, cultural events, and to provide social recognition for artists. Art provides the voiceless with a voice, a platform to stand against racism, threats to democracy, war machines, and corrupt governments. It provides us with a stage to show solidarity for vulnerable groups, demand ceasefires for the war in Ukraine and Gaza, and to put pressure on governments to act on climate change. Artists must also be aware of the potential threats from new technology such as artificial intelligence which has potential implications for copyright infringements, other legal issues, and loss of income.

Culture is threaded into the fabric of our lives, the role that it plays in creating tolerance, preserving traditions, languages, quality of life, and a multicultural society must not be overlooked.

We must invest in society, we must fund art!

A better and more informed world helps to create greater freedom and equality. This is the society Better World Info envisions and strives for.

Author: Rachael Mellor, 02.01.24 licensed under CC BY-ND 4.0

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