MAKING CULTURAL WARRIORS: AFROREGGAE'S SOCIAL TECHNOLOGY OF THE ARTS

Abstract

This thesis is based on a practice-as-research project with young people by artists from Brazilian arts and social project, AfroReggae and myself. The project Cultural Warriors, took place in three English cities, London, Manchester and Gateshead and one Brazilian, Rio de Janeiro, between January 2010 and May 2012. Cultural Warriors was part of a larger international knowledge exchange programme, From the favela to the world, which interrogated international practice that use the arts to enact change within communities. AfroReggae utilized embodied arts practices to offer artistic development and reflection to UK artists and art organisations. Theoretical considerations of embodiment, place, affect and engaged performance frame this research. The research seeks to locate the potential of affective artistic engagement as a mode of individual and community transformation. My research examined the following: The capacity for international cultural exchanges to achieve transformational impact, and extend the learning, personal development and experience of UK young people with a range of learning abilities The extent AfroReggae methodologies could be used to extend the learning, practice, ambition and reach of UK arts organisations. How the achievements of the project could be documented to widely disseminate its learning. The thesis is composed of three elements: Cultural Warriors An international practice based research programme for UK artists and arts organisations in partnership with artist from AfroReggae. Artist, Activist or Warrior? A multi-media e-document arising from Cultural Warriors. The document uses a range of multimedia to give a sensory background to Cultural Warriors and a context on the practice. A written thesis locating Cultural Warriors in a theoretical of performed identity, power and the affect contained in arts activity.