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Cultural Weapon - Mike van Graan

When Mike van Graan was asked about the origin of this title, and if 'cultural governance' would not be more appropriate, he replied as follows:

"As for the "Cultural Weapon", it comes from when I lived in Durban and there were major, violent conflicts between the ANC and the Inkatha Freedom Party, the latter being a traditional Zulu party where they proclaimed the right to carry "cultural weapons" that they used in these conflicts.  I started this column then, in that context, as a response - sort of like "the pen is mightier than the sword", the pen as a "cultural weapon".  I didn't do the column for a while, and have taken up that brand again as it is one that is relatively well known here.  "Cultural governance" is what the column covers, but it is a rather "European" term that hasn't really taken root here yet." - 31.3.2011

 

NOTES about 'Cultural weapon'

1. The views expressed in this column are entirely those of the writer and are necessarily representative of any of the organisations in which he is involved.
2. This column may be forwarded by the recipient to any other interested party, and may be reproduced by any publication or website at no charge, provided that writer is acknowledged.
3. To engage with the content of this column or to provide feedback, go to

www.mikevangraan.wordpress.com

 

Mike van Graan

is the Secretary General of Arterial Network, a continent-wide network of artists, activists and creative enterprises active in the African creative sector and its contribution to development, human rights and democracy on the continent. He is also the Executive Director of the African Arts Institute (AFAI), a South African NGO based in Cape Town that harnesses expertise, resources and markets in the service of Africa’s creative sector. He is considered to be one of his country’s leading contemporary playwrights.

For further information, see

www.arterialnetwork.org

www.africanartsinstitute.org

www.mikevangraan.co.za

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