What is Culture?

We are starting to build Encore into a business and are working with a consultant on a marketing plan. When asked about our focus we said the performing arts. What was interesting was the assumption that this was the formal disciplines such as classical music, opera and ballet offered in the formal theatres. We were asked "what about the rich culture in the townships?" In my mind that is included in performing arts. Our challenge is to find the artists and include their events in the diary.

It got me thinking about our perceptions of the performing arts and culture as something separate and something that is "good for you". A bit like having to take horrible tasting medicine because "its good for you". But culture and performances are part of our identity and found in public spaces, community halls and any place where people come together to celebrate. Instead of seeing the performing arts as a luxury, it should be a part of our daily lives, something that is easily accessible. I was reading a document where there was the statement "the pleasure of the arts can not be restricted to a priveleged few". Hear, hear we all need more beauty in our lives.

If anyone knows of artists and events,especially grassroots events, send us an email (paul@encoreonline.co.za) and we will gladly put it in the newsletter and on the web site. The deadline for the newsletter is the first Friday of the previous month but there is also the calendar for events planned well in advance so people can get extra notice of forthcoming events.
See ya at the "theatre"!