Culture, Heritage, Ethics, and Society

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The arts are made within communities, and they shape and reflect them.

Cultural Heritage

The arts are a living heritage. UNESCO (2003) defines intangible cultural heritage as practices, representations, expressions, knowledge, and skills that communities recognize as part of their heritage, including performing arts, rituals, festive events, and traditional craftsmanship. Sri Lanka's world heritage sites (Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa, Sigiriya, Kandy, Dambulla, and Galle) are the most visible parts of this inheritance (UNESCO, n.d.). Traditional dance, drumming, mask carving, and storytelling are equally important and depend on teachers, families, and students to continue.

Many Peoples, Many Arts

Sri Lanka's arts belong to Sinhalese, Tamil, Muslim, Burgher, Malay, Veddah, and other communities. Studying the arts of all communities builds understanding and respect, and can help people see what they share. Arts programmes in areas affected by conflict have also been used to promote dialogue and healing, and student exchanges and joint performances allow young people from different regions to meet through shared creative work.

Appreciation or Appropriation?

Cultural appreciation involves learning about a tradition, acknowledging its source, and participating respectfully. Cultural appropriation is usually described as taking elements from another culture, often a less powerful one, without understanding, credit, or permission, especially for profit or in ways that distort their meaning. Ask: Do I know the meaning of this? Who owns it? Have I been invited? Does the community benefit?

Copyright and Ethics

Creative works are protected by copyright, which gives creators rights over copying and public use, and in many countries moral rights such as the right to be named. The Berne Convention is the main international agreement on copyright. In your own work:

Do not copy and claim another's work.

Obtain permission or use properly licensed materials.

Credit sources, including images and music.

Respect confidential or sacred knowledge that communities may not wish to share.

The Arts and Wellbeing

Making and enjoying art can reduce stress, build confidence, and connect people (Fancourt & Finn, 2019). Music therapy, dance movement therapy, drama therapy, and art therapy are professions in their own right. At the same time, arts students can feel pressure, so balance practice with rest.

Inclusion and Access

Provide access for people with disabilities, welcome all backgrounds, and treat all members of an ensemble or class with respect. Art can be made in many ways, and adaptations can open the arts to everyone.

The Artist's Responsibility

Art can delight, comfort, and challenge. It can also hurt or mislead. Artists should consider the effect of their work on others, take care with sensitive themes, and use their voices to enrich public life.

CHAPTER 13