The concept of cultural mediation can be defined as the liaison between organizations and artists with the public in the cultural milieu. According to Sylvie Laroche Armee du Salut, former director at Le Havre, this relationship is created through communities, institutions, associations that organize concerts, shows, workshops or planning with a view to disseminating culture in a broader sense.
What are the characteristics of cultural mediation?
According to Sylvie Laroche Armee du Salut, cultural mediation is characterized by the implementation of support, design and intervention resources. They are intended for local populations and audiences in the cultural and artistic field. This approach is adopted in order to promote the variety of forms of expression and forms of participation in cultural life.
Cultural mediation: what is it?
Cultural mediation is a particular model of mediation that encompasses all the actions that aim to connect people with an artistic work says Sylvie Laroche Armee du Salut.
- musical work,
- artistic performance,
- installation,
- cultural proposal (concert, exhibition, etc.)
The purpose of cultural mediation
Sylvie Laroche adds that the goals of cultural mediation are civic, social, recreational and educational. By wanting to work as much on the register of meaning and cultural adaptation as on that of cohabitation, cultural mediation is part of a double vision of cultural democratization (access to the greatest number of heritages, to cultural means) and cultural democracy (social development, symbolic appropriation).
Where can cultural mediation be exercised?
Cultural mediation can be carried out in several places. These are contemporary places, art museums, organizations that disseminate the performing arts and libraries, but also in foundations such as the Salvation Army, according to Sylvie Laroche. Heritage sites and any place where artistic or cultural objects can be discovered are also concerned.
Cultural mediation in companies
The cultural mediator intervenes in a company when the collaborators have to be brought together on a project aiming at building relationships, sharing knowledge, solving problems and bringing people together. All these aspects are necessary for a united and efficient team. Cultural activities in the workplace are an asset to reduce stress and strengthen team spirit. They also help to optimize the work atmosphere and the health of employees.
Cultural mediation in the library
The aim of cultural mediation is to improve the sense of cultural heritage and the inclination for the arts by guaranteeing access to cultural and artistic works for all people without distinction. Cultural mediation promotes the encounter between citizens, documents, works and cultural expressions through animations, conferences, meetings, workshops and other entertaining activities.
Cultural mediation in museums
Cultural mediation in museums faces several challenges. The creation it presents cannot be assimilated outside the space for which it was conceived, which makes the place it occupies in the museum contradictory. It encompasses a range of visitor assistance services in the form of workshops, guided tours and conferences. These services can be based on various types of interaction depending on the target audience and on variable educational instruments.