Introduction

Introduction

For most cultural activists, the words ‘culture and conflict’ would probably mean the ways in which artistic creativity and ‘cultural heritage’ provide tools to prevent or resolve emerging socioeconomic tensions as well as violent conflicts and heal their consequences. For others, the binomial could refer to the ways in which inherited meanings and practices – often performative – can be used to transmit or inculcate ‘modern’ or reconciliatory values, particularly in so-called ‘traditional’ societies, when cultural differences have become conflictual. Both perceptions are typical of the contemporary urge to use' culture', not only as a value or an end in itself, but also as a contributor to social ‘goods’-which could include economic growth, social cohesion, citizenship, or social cohesion in addition to post-conflict reconciliation. This instrumentalization of culture now produces discourses that range from patently cynical political rhetoric, i.e., populist identity politics and racial stereotyping, to genuine sociopolitical engagement on the part of artists and community groups who define themselves as socially – hence ‘culturally’ – committed.

The contributions to this section focus on the latter, and show how different facets of culture can become a critical tool and enabling element for overcoming conflict rather than cause or concomitant factor. Barbara Nelson, Kathryn Carver and Linda Kaboolian open with an international overview of ‘concord’ organizations in divided societies that create mediating institutions to humanize the ‘Other’. James Thompson assesses various forms of theatre- and performance-based responses to conflict in one such divided society: Sri Lanka. Ananda Breed explores the potentials and shortcomings of Gacaca, a traditional form of community mediation that is now being used in post-genocide Rwanda. Silvia Ramos highlights the ways in which cooperation between the police and the youth-led Afro Reggae Cultural Group is building peace in the context of extreme urban violence in Brazil. Finally, Clemencia Rodriguez and Amparo Cadavid show how, in rural Colombia, citizens' radio stations act as mediators in intra-community conflicts, in conflicts among political opponents, among communities and local authorities, and between communities and armed groups.