The Power of Culture

Theme - Art and development

Lying at the core of society, art is also a means of bringing about social change. Drama, film and music can help people get to grips with their own lives. Take, for example, youth in deprived areas. Artistic expression is giving them self-respect and belief in the future. Art is often an open platform for freedom of speech, even in societies where that freedom is restricted. This makes art an effective tool for exposing social issues.

Notorious video halls bring Ugandan films to bigger crowds
Video halls in Uganda have a bad reputation. For a small fee, people can come to the shabby halls to watch a movie. However, they can also be seen as an important step towards a film culture.

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Art and development

LOT project about sustainable landscape development in Peru

November 2009 -

Under the title City Landscapes in Lima in October 2009 an extensive interdisciplinary project took place about landscape architecture and public space.

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Emotional theatre show in Rwanda

November 2009 -

"The Monument lasts for only 70 minutes, but after it has ended some spectators are so emotional that they stay after the show to discuss it for up to three hours," says Jennifer Capraru, the director of the play that is being performed in Rwanda.

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Interview

"Literature should heal wounds in Timor-Leste"

October 2009 -

Writer, translator, and campaigner Abe Barreto Soares is determined to put his country's literature on the map, using all available technical supplies.

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Special