In November I participated in a conference sponsored jointly by New Mexico MainStreet, the New Mexico Historic Preservation Division, and New Mexico Arts. It was a multi-disciplinary gathering to cheer my liberal arts soul. It was also–as a result, I believe–one of the most productive conferences I have attended in years. At the close, the principal presenters were asked to summarize their takeaways as a prelude to participant discussion. What follows are some of my observations, amplified and expanded by the benefit of further reflection.
It is highly unusual for professionals from community economic development, historic preservation, tourism, and the arts to come together as equal partners under a single “umbrella” to discuss their interests and points of overlap. The issues facing communities large and small are extremely complex. Interdisciplinary responses are the only ones with a reasonable chance of success, even acknowledging the “collaboration tax” associated with partnerships. (Thanks to Alan Brown of Wolf-Brown Associates for that label.) Synergy is powerful and cross-sector collaboration is the best hope for meaningful progress.
It was inspiring to discover that professionals from all these disciplines had arrived at a common realization: “It’s about people.” Historic preservationists acknowledged it’s not about buildings. Economic development pros said it’s not about monetary transactions. I said (as I always do) it’s not about art. In particular, objects or artifacts are not simply objects or artifacts. They are manifestations of a person and a people. I describe the negative impact of artcentricity–focus on art instead of on its impact upon people. Artcentricity is the objectification of cultural expression, casting it in amber, stripping it of life.
More than that, though, the recognition of difference and the importance of those differences permeated the conference. People are communities, communities are people; but neither is tabula rasa. Each has a history, traditions, and culture. Building successful creative communities begins with understanding the unique, authentic canvas and unique palette of the individuals and communities involved. There is much we don’t know that we don’t know. Cultural humility is the only reasonable response.
Ignorance of the existence, nature, or details of other cultures is not a demonstration of sophistication. Cultural myopia may not be willful but it inhibits growth. Success demands discovering, acknowledging, and addressing personal and organizational shortcomings in understanding unfamiliar ways of being.
In the context of this conference bringing together so many community oriented disciplines, arts organizations can serve a vital role as facilitators of cultural vitality. They can support the preservation and development of a community’s voice and vision and take on a critical role assisting the community in advancing its cultural self-understanding. Preservation, however, can be a trap. It is not preservation for itself that is important. The focus must be on preservation as a foundation for growth, for use, for ever-increasing relevance of cultural expression.
Authenticity with respect to the character and culture of communities was the watchword for tourism, economic development, and historic preservation. Discerning the authentic and facilitating its expression is a key function of the arts.
What may be the central manifestation of authenticity–stories–was perhaps the key theme of the conference. It began with stories; it ended with stories. Stories of the history of native peoples; of the legacies of buildings; of the adventures of outsiders coming to visit; and of the ways human beings respond (and responded) to their circumstances, environments, and relationships formed the basis of every presentation I attended. What I learned perhaps most of all is that people are their stories, living communities are their history and traditions, and cultures are the collective expressions of both. If we bear that in mind, we will be far more successful in each of the fields of endeavor represented at this conference.
I am grateful to the people and state of New Mexico for granting me the privilege of being part of this important gathering.
Engage!
Doug