How cultural grantmaking can foster and protect diversity across the globe

Cultures tell the unique stories of different communities. However, as globalisation progresses, the arts, practices and intangible heritage of various cultures have been put at risk.

Cultural grantmaking has emerged as a solution to this challenge, ensuring that every culture, no matter how small, shines and contributes to the human experience.

Let’s explore the concept of cultural grantmaking and how it can ensure diversity across the globe.

What is cultural grantmaking?

Cultural grantmaking is the act of funding organisations, individuals or projects involved in the promotion and preservation of culture. As a form of philanthropy, it recognises that the soul of a community is preserved by promoting its traditions, heritage and history. This type of grantmaking aims to make cultural experiences available to a broader audience and foster creativity.

The support cultural grants provide can be used to promote music, literature and other forms of art. It can also be used to strengthen cultural organisations, train cultural artists and safeguard historical sites, languages and customs.

Cultural grantmaking shouldn’t be confused with place-based philanthropy—though related, they’re distinct. Both are committed to social good, ensure equity and have a potential for overlap. However, place-based philanthropy focuses on improving the wellbeing of a specific geographic location while cultural grantmaking focuses on preserving culture and encouraging its creative expression across different regions.

Cultural grants are made by individuals, organisations and cultural grantmaking groups that are keen on cultural promotion. Cultural grantmaking groups have different types such as:

• Government agencies like Creative Australia which focuses on supporting the country’s cultural development
• International organisations such as the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) which offers grants to preserve cultural heritage
• Corporate grantmakers like Google which supports culture preservation through its Arts and Culture feature
• International foundations like the Getty Foundation which focuses on preserving cultural heritage through visual arts

5 Ways cultural grantmaking can ensure diversity worldwide

1. Elevation of the expression of diverse cultures

Cultural grantmaking can foster diversity across the globe by sponsoring a wide range of artistic expressions. Sharing and celebrating the different aspects of various cultures ensures that traditions are preserved, passed down to future generations and spread to other areas of the world. As a result, each culture can maintain its place as part of the collective human story.

2. An emphasis on inclusivity

Cultural grantmaking can drive the representation of historically underrepresented communities and their culture, preventing them from being overshadowed by more dominant ones.

Representation creates the opportunity for people to learn about other cultures. Exposure to different cultures promotes tolerance and understanding, dismantles stereotypes and encourages respect. Similarly, it encourages people to appreciate cultural differences as strengths and learning points rather than view them as barriers, therefore promoting peaceful coexistence and inclusivity globally.

3. Cultural exchange

Funding cultural initiatives can foster global diversity by building bridges across cultures and reinforcing humanity’s interconnectedness. It supports projects that encourage cross-cultural participation and facilitate collaborations between artists and cultural organisations from different cultures. Such initiatives allow individuals to share, learn and integrate aspects of different cultures.

Take for example—in 2019, UNESCO’s International Fund for Cultural Diversity (IFCD) partnered with Burkina Faso’s Pan-African Film and Television Festival of Ouagadougou (FESPACO) to train young filmmakers and connect them with international mentors. The collaboration enhanced cross-cultural understanding, strengthened global networks and introduced fresh perspectives to both parties.

4. A driving force for policy change

Financial support for organisations and initiatives dedicated to cultural promotion can lead to legislative changes fostering diversity. Cultural grants give grantees the resources to advocate for their rights and cultural heritage. This activism can inspire laws and regulations that protect diversity through language protection, recognition of land rights and protection from discrimination.

By spotlighting the contributions of cultures, cultural grantmaking can influence governments and institutions to adopt favourable policies and invest in preserving cultures.

5. Empowerment of community and culture

Funding organisations can protect diversity by empowering grantees and, by extension, community members through cultural grantmaking.

Cultural grants boost local economies by powering projects that generate jobs and revenue through tourism. They provide resources for cultural artists to hone their skills and showcase their craft globally. The grants redistribute resources and give more access to communities that lack funding, addressing systemic inequities.

All these foster diversity by empowering the voices of individuals and organisations from different backgrounds to express their culture.

Cultural grantmaking keeps cultures thriving by breathing life into fading traditions and fanning the flames of cultural expression. This preservation of culture and heritage fosters and protects global diversity by ensuring that the colour and voice of each community are seen and heard.