About UACAC

Introduction

The potential of the Ugandan Arts and Cultural sector to contribute to social and economic development is not yet fully recognized. Under-appreciation and under-estimation of its potential, together with the challenges faced by the arts and culture sector in Uganda lie at the heart of this lack of recognition. Although discussions about the role of arts and culture in society have started, there is a need to follow these up with concrete action to improve the situation. An (Annual) Conference on Arts and Culture is meant to meet this expectation.

Objectives of the Conference

The Uganda Annual Conference on Arts and Culture provides a thematic platform for joint discussion and action by Ugandan cultural activists, arts organizations, artists, etc. aimed at jointly strengthening the role, value and visibility of arts and culture in Uganda so that in the end this sector can meet the challenges it faces and create opportunities to flourish. It focuses on finding solutions to the existing problems in the arts and cultural sector by building an effective network of arts and cultural practitioners and by effectively building upon existing initiatives.

The conference provides an opportunity to build common knowledge about the state of arts and culture in Uganda, to identify and address immediate needs (e.g. legislation, research and training), enhance networking within Uganda, to increase access to information and funding, to stimulate joint planning of activities and initiatives (saving costs), to engage in a joint advocacy campaign (e.g. for cultural awareness, state recognition and support) and to increase the self-sustainability of the arts and cultural sector as well as create a database of all stake holders and individuals working under Arts and Culture.

Although the title might give the impression of another “talking circus”, the conference is Action-oriented. While presentations at the conference are inevitable, clear action points for follow-up should result; participants sign up to contribute towards the achievements of the set outputs.

Timing

To organize the conference in the month of May during the international cultural week. This will create a specific momentum as:-

  • During that week all focus will be on arts and culture
  • The Conference’s organizing team can tap into the government network (possibly incl. small resources) to announce and launch the Conference (as a civil society initiative!)
  • It provides opportunities to bridge the gap between civil society and government as well as a coordinated contribution of civil society to the Civil society Cultural Manifesto

Expected outputs

  • Increased common knowledge about the arts and cultural sector in Uganda and the civil society manifesto (jointly updated SWOT analysis)
  • Clear action points for concrete joint follow-up, with a focus on the annual theme
  • A joint vision and joint advocacy campaign for advancing the arts and cultural sector in Uganda
  • Increased collaboration and coordination within the arts and cultural sector in Uganda

Practical follow-up

About The First UACAC Conference:

The First UACAC 2010 was aimed at providing an opportunity to build common knowledge about the state of arts and culture in Uganda, to identify and address immediate needs (e.g. legislation, research and training), enhance networking within Uganda, to increase access to information and funding, to stimulate joint planning of activities and initiatives (saving costs), to engage in a joint advocacy campaign (e.g. for cultural awareness, state recognition and support) and to increase the self-sustainability of the arts and cultural sector.This was honored by different stake holders and non-governmental organization making it a success.

The second two days UACAC 2011 during 16th and 17th of May 2011 at the Uganda National Theater;the conferencewillbring together and unite the sector in respect, understanding and action. All stakeholders fromthe arts and culture sectorwill define our actual role as a unit,isolate the challengesfaced by the arts and culture in Uganda today, and make a case for a clear strategy forcooperation and action.

Under the title: “We don’t care about Ugandan Art and Culture”We also need public opinion, ideas and knowledge to develop ourstrategies and make them realistic.