The Route to Sustainable Economies: Turn right at culture Wynne Wright, Ph.D. Michigan State University Center for Community Economic Development Conference 26 March 2013

Food, Culture and Sustainability Finding Balance “Sustainability is a vision and a process, not an end product.” Newman & Kenworthy,1999:5 How do we meet the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs? How do we improve the quality of life while living within the carrying capacity of the planet?

What is Culture? “The means of these processes – as in culture as ‘the arts’ and ‘humane intellectual works’.” Source: Williams, 1983:11-13 “As ‘a whole way of life’, ‘a signifying system’ through which a social order is communicated, reproduced, experienced and explored.” Finding Balance

Cultural Sustainability As Artifact Little ‘c’ culture (Artifacts of Culture) –Rests on Definition 1: Culture is the means of development processes – as in culture as ‘the arts’ and ‘humane intellectual works.’ –This approach applies the ideas of sustainability to cultural concerns –Focus is on cultural ‘products’…tangible artifacts…things… Art, literature, music, fashions, food and tastes Finding Balance

The Fourth Pillar of Sustainability: Cultures Essential Role in Public Planning, by Jon Hawkes

Cultural Sustainability As Blueprint Big ‘C’ Culture (Blueprint for Sustainability) –Rests on Definition 3: Culture is ‘a whole way of life’, ‘a signifying system’ through which a social order is communicated, reproduced, experienced, explored. –Recognizes that our thoughts, actions, beliefs, values, likes and dislikes are social creations, strongly influenced by the time and place we live. –Focuses on the role of culture as pivotal for imagining and planning for sustainable development Asks, “Who are we? “What do we share? “Do we get along? “How do we work together?” Finding Balance

Culture as Artifact/what Focus on arts-based initiatives/solutions Forming and maintaining new social networks with organizations, groups, artists, and government Integrate local customs, crafts, and practices into education Increasing opportunities for individuals to become more involved in the arts Invest in cultural industries to diversify economies Culture as Blueprint/how Create public spaces that draw people together –Unite racial and ethnic diversity –Multi-generational Enhance ability to work cooperatively & communicate with others Build community identity and pride Support positive community norms, such as cultural understanding and free expression Foster trust between individuals How do we bring ‘c’/’C’ulture in? Finding Balance

Both approaches are rooted in time and place Big ‘C’ = defines how people relate to each other - Reflection of values, beliefs, norms Little ‘c’ = sees uniqueness in our natural resources and material artifacts - Outgrowth of environmental resources Economic and cultural diversities are closely interdependent – Interact and affect one another Considerations of culture enables development when it takes in account the local context, particularities of place (assets). Finding Balance Co-construction

Food As a Cultural Artifact Place-based foods are foods that are tied to the climate and soil of a region as well as to the culture and traditions of its inhabitants. –What’s unique to your place? Heritage & Ethnic traditions Production practices Biological distinctions –What’s their story? “… ultimately, the pursuit of sustainability is a local undertaking not only because each community is ecologically and culturally unique but also because its citizens have specific place-based needs and requirements.” - R. E. Rhoades, 2006 Finding Balance

France…Leading the Way Culture of Place and Food

Organizations and Individuals Leading the Way Culture, Place and Food in the U.S.

The Real Thing… “I am looking for the real thing; I care where it comes from and how it is made”

The Cultural Revolution in Food The Cultural Revolution in Food

Michigan Organizations and Individuals Leading the Way Michigan… Hops Heaven

Michigan Organizations and Individuals Leading the Way Westwind Mill, Argentine, MI

Michigan Organizations and Individuals Leading the Way Light of Day Organic Teas

Dancing Goat Creamery Michigan Organizations and Individuals Leading the Way Four Corners Creamery Michigan Cheesemakers

Cultural Sustainability as Blueprint Focus is on how – the process - to create a cultural economy. –How do we talk about our sustainable future – positively? –Who participates in planning – all or a few? –Do cultural products represent ‘us’ or ‘them’? –Who decides how we market our place? –Are decision making practices democratic and open or closed? –Will there be negative consequences for some as a result of a cultural economy?

Finding Balance is about … Bringing culture as artifact into sustainability focus, visioning and planning. –What we are … --- AND --- Bringing culture as blueprint – the larger questions of values, identity, and process - into sustainability focus, visioning and planning. - How we function … Cultural Sustainability … “the ability to retain cultural identity, and to allow change to be guided in ways that are consistent with the cultural values of a people.” Sustainable Development Research Institute, 1998:1