DOEN believes that a green, socially-inclusive and creative society is achievable. The world is full of committed entrepreneurs eager to develop sustainable, cultural and socially-engaged initiatives. People who are not afraid to take risks while putting their pioneering ideas into practice. People who inspire others! DOEN offers these people financial support and brings them together to connect them.
In this framework DOEN works on two themes: Green & Inclusive Economy and Culture & Cohesion. The activities in these two themes are interlinked and influence each other. This website is developed as a platform for the international culture programme of DOEN, which is part of the Culture & Cohesion theme.
Background
DOEN considers culture to be essential to processes of social change and innovation. Artists and cultural practitioners create new imagery and narratives that provide an alternative to existing realities or a status quo. Furthermore, artistic processes tap into people’s desires and open up space for imagining new, unexpected associations. Culture is therefore central to create social change that is meaningful to the people involved in it.
Focus
The international culture program enhances the sustainability of creativity and cultural expression in some specific regions in Africa, where the cultural sector has not reached a mature cycle of development yet. Currently, DOEN focuses on North, East and West Africa with a special focus on Tunisia, Uganda and Mali. These regions/countries are the focal points from where we follow (and possibly finance) patterns of creativity that might go beyond national borders.
DOEN also finances several international networks and funds that directly contribute to the sustainability of the cultural sector in Africa at large, such as The Arterial, African Synergy, Art Moves Africa and the Arab Fund for Arts and Culture.
Finally, the international culture program also has a worldwide program that contribute directly to social innovation: Arts Collaboratory.
The total budget of the DOEN International Culture Programme in 2013 is EUR 3 million.
Nicole
Gillian
Ino
Merel