Community cultural development-a policy for social change?

Abstract

This is to certify that the thesis comprises only my original work except where indicated in the preface; due acknowledgment has been made in the text to all other material used; the thesis is 30,000 words in length, inclusive of footnotes, but exclusive of tables, maps, appendices & bibliography. This thesis explores the area of Community Cultural Development (CCD) through a longitudinal Case Study. It postulates that the potential long-term outcomes of a successful CCD process, including the creation of communities and networks, as well as continuing cultural development for the participants, are frustrated by arts policy and funding. The analysis of the Case Study is contextualised by an examination of the history of CCD in Australia and the cultural policy framework for the funding of CCD projects. This thesis addresses the following question: Do the long-term outcomes of creating networks, creation of communities and continued cultural development succeed? It is hypothesised that CCD can achieve social change through two types of long term outcomes. The two types of longterm outcomes are personal level outcomes and community level outcomes. Both levels of outcomes are examined in relation to the Case Study. However, the cultural policy framework for CCD does not support long-term CCD. It is problematic on many levels funding, evaluation, and the infrastructure support of CCD. It is asserted that there is urgent need for a re-assessment on the way in which CCD is supported in Australia. And that this assessment examines whether the sector is in fact supportive of the aim of CCD to effect social change. CCD is a process and an artform underpinned by a social change agenda. This research aims to further develop the academic body of work in the field of CCD, to create new questions, ideas and problems for further research to build upon. Community Cultural Development – A Policy for Social Change? By Michelle Evans © 2003 2