CULTURAL APPROPRIATION

THINK AND ACT TOGETHER

Toolkit

How can we build a theater world that is more inclusive, more representative of Quebec society and respectful of its different subjectivities, but without weakening or compromising the freedom of creation?

The purpose of this tool, which has been designed around the concept of cultural appropriation, is to provoke critical thinking about how to address artistic projects, confirm some choices, encourage dialogue and become aware of the multiple receptivities linked to the diversity of cultural histories. This toolkit is for you whether you are a designer, a performer, a director, a producer or a promoter, and whether you are just starting out or an experienced professional.

The Tools

Jewelry assortment including rings, chains, pendants and bracelets. The photo is deliberately blurry, adding an artistic and evocative touch.

Understanding cultural appropriation

Definitions, history and background

This section traces the history of the expression and the way it has been used over the years, up to its present, contemporary meaning. It will give you an overview of different kinds of cultural appropriation and a glimpse of the links between struggles for decolonization and cultural appropriation issues.

Understand cultural appropriation

Brief glossary

A few expressions related to the concept of cultural appropriation

This is a compendium of several definitions of expressions that are often associated with or indirectly linked to the concept of cultural appropriation. This section will interest people who want to delve deeper into the issues of diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) and intercultural relationships.

Consult the glossary

Someone is sitting in a concentrated pose, bent over a notebook on their knees. One hand holds two pens elegantly, like an artist with his brushes.

Here we go directly backstage on a photo shoot. The foreground shows the camera trained on two empty stools. In the back, a black curtain and beams of magenta light create an intriguing atmosphere.

In their own words

Video capsule

This is a video where artists from the Quebec theater world share their positive experiences of past intercultural artistic collaborations.

Watch video

COMPASS

A process in critical thinking

This section contains a practical tool that you can use alone or in a group to redefine your approaches and motivations as you take part in an intercultural creative collaboration.

Explore the critical thinking process.

Are the cultural references and elements called upon (objects, music, rituals, knowledge, traditions, etc.) presented or used out of their cultural or historical context? Does the subject touch on political, historical or current issues involving discrimination/violence against a person or a group of people? Could the way of representing this culture and/or those belonging to it (text, scenography, music, costumes, acting) maintain or reinforce certain stereotypes?