Words: Rebecca Ramsey (she/her)
CW: War
When we think about war-torn countries, our foremost concern is aiding the innocent victims of conflict. Your mind probably darts straight to water, healthcare, food, and shelter – and there is no dispute that these are imperative to rehabilitation. Yet, this assumption neglects what can be done to rebuild nations after their communities and culture have been bled dry during times of such immense hardship.
The recovery of a country’s culture is imperative in aiding long-term national recovery because it plays a foundational role in restoring social cohesion, political stability, and economic growth. Importantly, this doesn’t apply only to war-torn countries – the UK could also benefit from a cultural revival. Ultimately, so much of our economic, social, and political disparity is exacerbated by a lack of funding and attention to social welfare.
This thought becomes paramount when understanding the arts industry in Afghanistan. Cornerstone to the rich culture of the nation, regular markets used to be held frequently by locals who would sell a diverse and expansive range of artisanal crafts, including unique paintings, works of calligraphy, and ceramics. These markets were an intrinsic part of culture and community in Afghanistan, meaning that Afghan people suffered from this catastrophic loss when Taliban rule took over. The militant group banned and restricted people’s access to celebrate and participate in the arts. As a result, treasured cultural traditions that had been passed down through generations are being forgotten and lost.
Despite the damage to essential infrastructure, the loss of life, and mass displacement, Afghans still found a way to breathe life back into their culture. This was kickstarted by a Kabul-based NGO, established in 2006, called Turquoise Mountain. They have pioneered multiple craft schools in Afghanistan, and worked on urban regenerations in Kabul.
It’s easy to question, from a Western perspective, why a project like this is relevant in a country that requires immediate aid. Some would say it’s redundant, even elitist, to think that community-focused arts projects should be a focal point of recovery. However, I would argue that systems like this are vital in rebuilding communities from a long-term perspective because this is, in many ways, a most crucial form of welfare. Projects like Turquoise Mountain create not only a positive environment for individuals and communities to grow, but also generate employment and motivate younger generations. By including projects like this in economic growth, news jobs are created, which are impactful in reducing wealth disparity. Systems which focus on the important role of the arts industry can provide a platform for regeneration over the long-term for forgotten communities, even in the extreme circumstances of conflict.
So, could the UK learn a lesson or two from Afghanistan’s approach to cultural recovery? Underprivileged areas have been starved of funding in community-centred programs. 14 years of harsh austerity have targeted those positive spaces – our councils are facing bankruptcy; 69% of our youth clubs have disappeared since the Tories came into power in 2010. Parks, libraries, children’s centres. Local governments have been hollowed out, and poorer areas have been hit disproportionately.
Lack of support through funding and welfare from the government can have, and has had, detrimental impacts on underprivileged communities. This can be directly seen in increased rates of crime and imprisonment of youths in these areas. Additionally, the lack of funding in school programs pushes communities into a cycle of almost no economic growth, and leaves very limited opportunities in the type of careers and future pathways for young people.
Investment in cultural regeneration for divided communities is essential for creating jobs. Initiatives such as the ones used in Afghanistan to boost the economy and culture of the communities would be imperative in the rejuvenation of communities across the UK. Our government argues back and forth mercilessly about who does and does not deserve benefits. However, if our welfare systems in the UK are to prioritise long-term solutions, funding for reviving community culture should be emphasised.
