Capturing the value of culture through a narrative case study of Funda Centre

Abstract

The concepts of ‘culture’ and ‘value’ are often fluid and complex, creating space for multiple perspectives. This research report presents a narrative that explores the dynamic ways that the value of culture can be captured, drawing on the history of Funda Centre, a community cultural and art centre in Soweto, South Africa. Established in 1984, Funda Centre has provided a wide range of educational, cultural, and artistic services throughout its lifetime, but it is one of many whose historical significance remains underrepresented in existing literature. This report applies the Cultural Value Triangle1 (CVT) conceptual framework as a lens through which the values of culture and related themes can be discerned for a multi-faceted understanding of the role of Community Art Centres (CACs) in South Africa’s cultural policy landscape. The narrative is drawn from empirical data gathered using a qualitative narrative case-study approach combining; interviews, a focus group, documentation, and observation as tools to capture the memories and experiences encapsulated in the cultural value/s of Funda Centre. This research underscores the necessity of recognising and qualifying cultural value as an integral component of community development and policymaking, advocating for the continued support and expansion of similar cultural initiatives.