Dara E Healy

“The right ‘to take part in’ culture consists in the ability to consume and to create, individually and with others...Cultural participation requires access to cultural materials, tools and information and the freedom to create, transform, share and trade cultural works and techniques.”

– Lea Shaver and Caterina Sganga, Yale Law publication

DID YOU know that we have a right to take part in cultural life? Well, according to the 1976 International Covenant of Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, we do.

From art exhibitions to Tobago Heritage Festival, dance shows or calypso competitions, it is reasonable to presume that in TT, the arts are accessible to everyone. Yet, as we observe International Day for Universal Access to Information, do citizens have enough access to information about culture and the arts to help them make decisions about their future? Is it enough to help build a stronger nation?

Information is defined as facts or knowledge whether related to a situation, organisation or events. By its very nature, information should be an empowering force in our lives.

Few will disagree that the arts have the power to revitalise cities, offer hope to at-risk children or even support us through a global pandemic. Increasingly, they are seen as vital to fostering a more inclusive and peaceful society. However, too many in our vulnerable and wider communities continue to be disconnected from essential information about our heritage, history and culture. This results in pushing the dream of an evolved society even further away.

In spite of the gaps in our education system, there is a great deal of information-sharing about culture at the community level. Best Village continues to be a motivating force. Additionally, there are organisations like the Belmont Freetown Cultural Arts and Folk Performing Company, the Hindu Prachar Kendra, Signal Hill Alumni Choir or Siparia Deltones Steel Orchestra that are committed to enriching their communities.

There is much that is positive, but it is time to pull all of these efforts together and focus on the wider, national goals identified earlier.

How do we achieve this? There are still too many educators and cultural practitioners who lack basic knowledge about the culture, history and diversity of beliefs in our country. And even if the information is available, the way that it is conveyed to young people often alienates them. This means that we continue to limit the ability of large numbers of young people to fully participate in cultural life through flawed information delivery.

This week, children were once again caught in the middle of warring gangs. Crime affects the ability of children to even get to school to receive the information they need. Increasingly guns, drugs and police raids are the norm for many of them. Further, gender-based violence and child abuse are rising, and with these, mental health challenges among young people.

Culturally-based information can play a pivotal role in helping children and families to cope. However