Every person exists within a cultural community. Those communities may be defined by ability, age, culture, economy, gender, geography, sexual orientation, etc.
Cultural integrity is the practice of respecting and honouring the ownership of materials, traditions, and knowledges that originate from a particular culture or community.
All of the Manitoba Arts Council’s grant applications contain a mandatory question regarding cultural integrity. It is therefore important that applicants demonstrate their understanding of how culture informs the creation and presentation of artistic works.
If you are working within your own culture, you may talk about how your project is connected to that culture.
Cultural Integrity in the Creation and Presentation of Work
If you are applying for funding to create or present artistic work and your project includes subject matter, material, or practices outside your own cultural community, assessors will review how you demonstrate your understanding of cultural integrity within your project. Specifically, they will review your application to see if there is cultural appropriation in the project.
Cultural appropriation is the unacknowledged or inappropriate use of the customs, practices, ideas, etc. of a cultural group by people not of that cultural group, typically those from a more historically privileged group.
You are encouraged to reflect on and explain the role of culture in your proposed project as you prepare your application. Consider the following, if applicable:
Cultural Integrity in the Creative Process
- Are you aware of the origin of the material, custom, or practice you are incorporating into your project? Do you understand how it was originally used and/or its original meaning?
- What connections do you have to the cultures or communities represented in the work or activity?
- Are you aware of and/or have you addressed any cultural protocols (rules) involved in the practice or tradition you are engaging with?
- Have you considered whether your project could have unintended harmful consequences or be disrespectful to the community involved?
- Are you including collaborators, contributors, and/or consultants from that culture in your project? Have you properly acknowledged and compensated them?
- If your proposed project focuses on or includes Indigenous materials, traditions, or knowledges, do you understand Indigenous peoples’ unique worldview and creative culture? How did you come by this understanding?
Cultural Integrity in the Presentation of Artistic Work
- Why did you select this work(s) or activity to present? Are you aware of its history and origin?
- Who will be performing the work or leading the activity?
- Whose perspectives are being presented in the work or activity?
- What cultures or communities are represented in the work or activity?
- What connections do you and/or your group have to the cultures or communities represented in the work or activity?
MAC’s Commitment
The Manitoba Arts Council (MAC) is committed to fostering greater inclusion and diversity in the arts and operates in accordance with the Manitoba Human Rights Code. MAC is likewise committed to the standards and principles of the United Nations Declaration of the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.
MAC actively opposes discrimination, stereotypes, and cultural appropriation. We share the goal of equity for those who have been excluded and strongly condemn racism in every form. As we carry out our work to provide Manitoba citizens with access to the arts, we acknowledge our responsibility to also advance social justice.
