The Politics of Culture : The Case for Universalism

The idea of diversity dominates cultural policy in the twenty-first century. Against the perceived elitism of the past, policy-makers seek to use culture to address social exclusion. Drawing on original research, this book exposes problems with this approach, making the case for universalism in cultural and political life. In the twenty-first century, cultural policy is increasingly dominated by the politics of diversity. Cultural institutions lack confidence in their own intrinsic value and seek relevance by promoting diverse identities. Meanwhile, policy-makers see culture as a tool to support marginal groups and address a range of social and economic issues, from community cohesion to urban regeneration. Based on original research and insights, The Politics of Culture charts a long-term shift in policy-making towards the use of culture as an instrument to achieve social and political objectives. This has brought an increase in funding and prestige to cultural institutions but created confusion about what culture is, who it belongs to and what it says about being human. This book puts forward a new understanding of universalism, one which recognizes that our ability to transcend difference is the essence of human culture and democratic politics "Munira Mirza has produced a challenging and indeed urgent thesis concerning the politics of culture and cultural policy today."--Jim McGuigan, Loughborough University, UK 'Munira Mirza helps us to think again about the complex relations between the universal value of supporting culture and the challenges of responding to local and minority communities. Her trenchant and insightful analysis will point cultural producers and policy makers alike in new and fruitful directions.' - Iwona Blazwick OBE, Director of Whitechapel Gallery, UK 'In this invigorating analysis, Munira Mirza tackles head-on the problematic issues of 'cultural diversity' and calls for a new, critical universalism in contemporary cultural policy. Informed by both scholarly enquiry and a deep engagement with organisational practice, Mirza's book exposes the contradictions that arise when identity politics drive the arts. With insights grounded in revealing case-studies, Mirza navigates these difficult waters with considerable skill. Theoretically well-informed, but free from academic jargon, the book will be of interest to students, academics and arts professionals alike. Provocative, challenging, sometimes contrarian, it is a welcome addition to the growing literature on 'cultural value'.' - Oliver Bennett, University of Warwick, UK Cover......Page 1 Contents......Page 6 List of Illustrations......Page 7 Preface......Page 8 Introduction......Page 14 1 From Confidence to Uncertainty – Cultural Value and What It Means to Be Human......Page 33 2 The Development of Cultural Policy in the United Kingdom......Page 55 3 Rich Mix Centre – A Case Study of a New Arts Centre in East London......Page 98 4 Oldham – A Case Study of Cultural Policy in an Industrial Town in North England......Page 135 5 Analysis: The Case for Universalism......Page 168 Epilogue......Page 193 Notes......Page 197 Bibliography......Page 208 Index......Page 223 Machine generated contents note: Preface Introduction From Confidence to Uncertainty - Cultural Value and What it Means to be Human The Development of Cultural Policy in the UK Rich Mix Centre - a Case Study of a New Arts Centre in East London Oldham - a Case Study of Cultural Policy in an Industrial Town in North England Analysis: the Case for Universalism Epilogue Index.

The idea of diversity dominates cultural policy in the twenty-first century. Against the perceived elitism of the past, policy-makers seek to use culture to address social exclusion. Drawing on original research, this book exposes problems with this approach, making the case for universalism in cultural and political life.