Bridging gaps: Art, culture and creative industries in development processes

1. Bridging gaps: Art, culture and creative industries in development processes Mrs. Elsebeth Krogh, CEO, Danish Centre for Culture and Development (CKU)

2. What is CKU? The Danish Centre for Culture and Development (CKU) is a self-governing institution under the Danish Ministry of Foreign Affairs. CKU implements the Danish strategy for culture and development, ‘The Right to Art and Culture’, approved by the Danish Parliament in May 2013. CKU manages culture and development programmes in close collaboration with Danish representations and partners in four regions: the Middle East, Asia, West Africa, and East Africa.

3. The right to art and culture Danish support to art and culture is: Human rights based An element in overall Danish development cooperation Fully supported by the Danish government Thematically focused The strategic priorities are: Access to art and culture Freedom of expression for artists Economic growth through cultural industries Peace and reconciliation Intercultural exchange

4. How is the strategyrealised? Programmes are formulated based on: Analysis including human rights analysis and needs assessment made by in-country consultants Previous experience Extensive consultations with key players, beneficiaries and stakeholders Assessment of and dialogue with local implementing partners.

5. Trends and dynamicscoming back from country level Importance of focusing on young people Underscoring the existence of a large pool of (multi-)talented artists Importance of harvesting the potential in cultural and creative industries Addressing limited access to culture outside capitals or cultural hubs Including peace and reconciliation efforts when needed Providing support to employment and income opportunities alongside other sectors/thematic areas (holistic approach)

6. The potential of Creative and Culturalindustries? Creative and cultural industries are: Emerging in growth economies Influenced by growth in other sectors Providing alternative income opportunities Recognised politically as a bridge to trade and tourism Creative and cultural industries hold the potential to: Include young people in economic growth Contribute to socio-economic development Prevent conflicts and increase dialogue Realise cultural diversity on the world market for cultural products Enhance cultural self-esteem through identification in cultural products.

7. Several links between strategic priorities: • Participation in cultural activities is strengthening the voice and creative expressions of disadvantaged groups • Encouraging participants to become active contributors to social and economic development • Enhancing social cohesion through processes of group based artistic production • Improving skill levels to increase job opportunities • Job creation contributes to sustain peace in post-conflict societies • Art and culturecontribute to development

8. Strengthening our common knowledge base • Documentation • Knowledge sharing • Network • Research • Practical cooperation • Joint strategy development

9. Connect with cku Elsebeth Krogh, CEO, ek@cku.dk Web: www.cku.dk/en Facebook: ckuinternational Twitter: CKUdanmark