In the third volume of the “Art and Community” notebooks series published by the Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation, journalist Vanessa Rodrigues compiles the reflections of the international conference “Building Capacities: rethinking the social value of culture”, hosted at the Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation on 6 June 2022, in partnership with the European project Traction.
Divided into seven chapters, the notebook summarises the ideas and practices discussed at the conference, reflects on experiences encountered, and emphasises “the social value of culture in building community capacities”, where discourse, action and civic participation shape policy to create a place of individual and collective transformation.
This volume highlights the transformative power of cultural projects, such as using opera to reduce reoffending rates among young inmates and creating art in public spaces. The focus is on democratising access and participation in cultural spaces and initiatives, transforming peripheral areas into vibrant cultural centres that enrich the community’s daily life. The document aims to redefine ways of cultivating humanity and oppose superficiality and neutrality, with the understanding that change is co-created and requires active participation.
Overall, it offers a compelling perspective on the role of culture in shaping society, fostering inclusivity, and promoting meaningful social change through artistic initiatives.
