Joining up policy discourses and fragmented practices: the precarious contribution of cultural projects to social inclusion?

Abstract

In government New Labour has developed a distinctive policy discourse about social exclusion. This paper outlines the roots of that national policy position and the confusing challenge it poses to local cultural projects claiming social inclusion. Government now demands hard evidence to measure the impact of cultural projects on performance indicators such as education, employment, crime and health. However, community-based workers are hard pressed to collect valid and reliable data that evaluate projects against clear criteria for social inclusion. In the first half of the paper five possible criteria for social inclusion are outlined. Then, drawing on data collected from two Arts in Health projects in particular, we examine how contributions to social inclusion might have been effected. We also argue that considerable energy is required to form new alliances and health partnerships to resolve the dilemmas posed by a confused policy discourse and by fragile funding streams. Such projects do, though, encourage us to move beyond a consideration of an 'inclusion as employment' model.

Youth sport volunteers in England: A paradox between reducing the state and promoting a Big Society

“…While initially sports clubs and NGBs were entirely independent of the state recently they have been used by government as a medium for policies such as bridging between diverse groups (Harris and Young, 2009), social inclusion and health (Long and Bramham, 2006), promoting social capital (Nicholson and Hoye, eds. 2008) and promoting the social integration of young people (Coalter, 2007a).…”

Community sports projects and effective community empowerment: a case study in Rochdale

“…In many respects, this mirrored similar UK policy trends that place emphasis on people and the development of social capital in communities (Coalter et al, 2000;Long and Bramham, 2006). RCS was distinctive, and perhaps unique, in terms of its positioning within a tenants' federation, independent from the state (local authority), and its role as a central aspect of ROFTRA's aims for community engagement and empowerment (RoFTRA, 2004).…”

Managing Cultural Policy: Pitfalls and Prospects

“…Culture nevertheless is increasingly seen by governments as a tool that can be utilized for a variety of developmental practices – from urban regeneration (Evans 2001, Ch. 8), to social inclusion (Long and Bramham 2006), to health care and treatment (Wolf 2002; Madden and Bloom 2004), or even for what seems like personal or state glorification (Looseley 1995; Collard 1998). In the managerial, evidence‐based views of public policy that are supported not only by the current Labour government in Britain but also by many other governments, the utility of cultural interventions in policy terms is something that is increasingly examined (Evans and Shaw 2004; Ruiz 2004; Scottish Executive 2006).…”